Pakistan: Adverse weather forecast to persist across much of the country through at least May 19

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Pakistan through at least May 19. As of early May 17, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a press release warning that a weather system will affect northern Pakistan the evening of May 16 before spreading across the rest of the country through May 19.

The PMD has forecast rainfall, thunderstorms, and duststorms across parts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces through May 19 and Sindh and Punjab provinces as well as Islamabad Capital Territory through May 18. Rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms are likely across Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan administrative territories through May 19. Strong winds, lightning, and hail may cause damage to crops, electricity infrastructure, and vehicles.

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 downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, 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.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.