In a recent weather advisory, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning of an impending cold wave set to impact Pakistan in the coming week. This chilling weather phenomenon is attributed to fresh rainfall and snowfall occurring in various parts of the country.
The PMD report indicates that a westerly system is likely to enter the upper regions on the evening of October 13, subsequently spreading to upper and central areas on the night of October 14. The following weather conditions are anticipated:
Intermittent Rain and Thunderstorms: The upper areas, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Swabi, and many others, are expected to experience intermittent rain and wind thunderstorms from October 13 until the 17th.Heavy Precipitation: Moderate to heavy rainfall is predicted in regions like Kashmir’s Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, and various others in Azad Kashmir, as well as in Gilgit Baltistan areas such as Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, and Hunza during the same period.Widespread Impact: The effects of this weather system will also be felt in areas including Islamabad, the Potohar region, Murree, Galiyat, and numerous cities in Punjab, with rain and thunderstorms anticipated from October 13 to 17.Mountain Snowfall: High mountain areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan will witness snowfall, adding to the wintry landscape.Hailstorms and Rain in KP: Hailstorms are expected in the plains of KP during this forecast period.
Furthermore, areas in Sindh and Balochistan, such as Jacobabad, Sukkur, Quetta, and others, are forecasted to receive rain with wind and thunderstorms on October 17 and 18.
Anticipated Impacts:Significant Temperature Drop: Temperatures are expected to plummet due to the cold wave’s influence.Water Flow and Landslides: Moderate to heavy precipitation may increase water flows in local watercourses and pose a risk of landslides in vulnerable regions, including Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, and other areas.Urban Flooding: In cities like Rawalpindi and Lahore, heavy rain may lead to urban flooding on October 15 and 16.
The PMD advises farmers to plan their crop activities accordingly, and tourists and travelers are urged to exercise caution during this forecasted period. It’s crucial to stay informed about changing weather conditions and prepare for the cold wave’s arrival in Pakistan.