Pakistan: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least April 15

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Pakistan through at least April 15. A weather system will track over northern Pakistan April 10; another system is forecast over the same region April 12 and will likely spread over the rest of the country April 13-15.

As of early April 9, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a press release warning of rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms across much of the country over the coming days. The PMD has forecast rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province April 10-15, Sindh Province April 13-14, Balochistan Province April 12-14, and Punjab Province and Islamabad Capital Territory April 10 and late April 12-15 with isolated strong winds and hail April 13-15. Rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds with snowfall in mountainous areas are likely over Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan administrative territories April 10-15, with isolated strong winds and hail April 13-15.

The PMD has warned that heavy rainfall may generate flash flooding and landslides in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan administrative territories as well as the tributaries of Kabul River April 13-15. Strong winds, lightning, and hail may cause damage to crops, electricity infrastructure, and vehicles. Temperatures are likely to drop in many areas during the period of adverse weather.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations of northern Pakistan over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant winds, flooding, or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.