Pakistan Meteorological Department Forecasts Severe Weather, Warns of Flash Floods and Landslides

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather advisory forecasting rain-windstorm/thunderstorm with isolated hailstorm for upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir on April 29, 2024. The PMD has warned of potential flash floods, landslides, and damage to vulnerable structures in these regions.

According to the weather advisory, heavy falls are likely at a few places in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and adjacent hilly areas. The heavy rainfall may generate flash floods in local nullahs and streams of Dir, Swat, Chitral, Mansehra, Kohistan, and Kashmir. Landslides are also possible in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The PMD has cautioned that the windstorm/hailstorm and lightning may affect human lives, standing crops, and vulnerable structures like electric poles, vehicles, and solar panels during this period. A strong westerly wave is affecting the upper parts of the country and is likely to persist for the next 24 to 36 hours.

Why this matters: The severe weather conditions forecasted by the PMD pose significant risks to the affected regions, including potential loss of life, damage to infrastructure and crops, and disruption of daily activities. Authorities and residents need to take necessary precautions and remain vigilant to mitigate the impact of the inclement weather.

During the last 24 hours, rain-windstorm/thunderstorm and hailstorm have been observed in various parts of the country. Significant rainfall was recorded in regions such as Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper/central Punjab, with hailstorms observed in the Pothohar region, Islamabad, Murree, Galliyat, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The National Highways Authority has sounded an alarm about the risk of landslides along the Karakoram Highway due to the heavy rains, and operations are underway to clear debris and mitigate the risk. The PMD has advised people to take necessary precautions and remain vigilant during the expected weather conditions.

The PMD has forecasted that the upper parts of the country will again experience rains and hailstorms in the next 24 hours. "Isolated/moderate to heavy rainfall may generate flash floods in local nullahs/streams of Dir, Swat, Chitral, Mansehra, Kohistan, and Kashmir," the weather advisory stated. The department has also predicted heavy rainfall in parts of Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and partly cloudy weather with rain and hailstorm in Islamabad and surrounding areas.

Key Takeaways

• PMD forecasts rain, windstorm, thunderstorm, and hailstorm in upper KP, Punjab, Islamabad, GB, and Kashmir on April 29, 2024.
• Heavy rainfall may cause flash floods and landslides in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Mansehra, Kohistan, and Kashmir.
• Windstorm, hailstorm, and lightning may affect human lives, crops, and vulnerable structures like poles, vehicles, and solar panels.
• Significant rainfall and hailstorms observed in Kashmir, GB, KP, and upper/central Punjab in the last 24 hours.
• PMD forecasts more rain and hailstorms in the next 24 hours, with potential for flash floods in local streams.