Pakistan: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least early Nov. 16

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Pakistan through at least early Nov. 16. A weather system is forecast to approach the northern parts of the country the evening of Nov. 14. As of early Nov. 14, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a press release stating that heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and snowfall over higher elevations are forecast across much of the country over the coming days.

The PMD has forecast rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and snowfall over higher elevations over parts of northern and central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan administrative territories from the evening of Nov. 14 to the afternoon of Nov. 16. Light rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds are also likely over Islamabad Capital Territory and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and most of Punjab provinces the evening of Nov. 14-15 and over Balochistan and western Punjab provinces Nov. 15.

The PMD has stated that the prevailing smoggy conditions are likely to subside in Islamabad Capital Territory, Pothohar region, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab provinces; air quality conditions are likely to improve during the forecast period. Dense foggy conditions are likely to develop in the plains of Punjab following the wet spell.

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 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.