Islamabad, 12 Oct 2023:The National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC) has released crucial information regarding a westerly weather system predicted to pervade various regions of Pakistan, potentially causing multiple weather disturbances from the 13th to the 18th of October. The westerly system is expected to ingress the upper parts of the country on the evening/night of the 13th of October and spread to the upper/central parts on the night of the 14th. Under its influence, numerous areas across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, Islamabad, Sindh, and Balochistan are forecasted to experience rain-wind/thunderstorms, and in some areas, snow over the mountains with moderate to isolated heavy falls. Specific guidelines and advisories have been issued for farmers, tourists, and travellers, and an emphasis has been placed on all concerned authorities to remain alert and execute necessary precautions throughout the forecasted period.

Details from the press release by NWFC outline that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to witness rain-wind/thunderstorms, with occasional hailstorms in the plains and snowfall over the high mountains from the evening/night of the 13th until the 17th. In Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, similar weather disturbances are anticipated from the night of the 13th until the 17th, with snowfall expected over high-altitude areas. Punjab and Islamabad will likely experience rain-wind/thunderstorms, with isolated hailstorms from the night of the 13th to the 17th, while Sindh and Balochistan are also predicted to observe rain/wind-thunderstorm on the 17th and 18th, respectively.

Anticipated impacts include potential increases in water flows in local Nullahs/streams, possible triggering of landslides in vulnerable areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and specific districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and a probable generation of urban flooding in Rawalpindi and Lahore on the 15th and 16th. Temperatures across the affected areas are likely to witness a significant drop during this period. The NWFC advises farmers to adjust their crop activities accordingly and urges tourists and travellers to exercise caution during the weather disturbances. The explicit note indicates that all relevant authorities should maintain heightened alertness and facilitate necessary precautions during the forecast period.