Islamabad: A significant weather system is poised to affect Pakistan from March 24 to March 30, bringing rain, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms to various regions of the country. The Meteorological Department has issued alerts for potential landslides, flash floods, and damage to infrastructure and crops.

According to National Weather Forecasting Centre – Islamabad, the western disturbance is expected to approach southwestern Balochistan on the evening of March 24, intensifying from March 27 and persisting until March 31. The weather system is anticipated to bring rain, wind, thunderstorms, and occasional heavy falls to Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir, and Sindh. Authorities have warned of landslides in vulnerable areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, while flash floods may occur in Balochistan and local streams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The forecast predicts varying weather conditions across the country. In Balochistan, heavy rainfall with isolated hailstorms is expected in several districts from the evening of March 24 to the night of March 25, and again from March 27 to the morning of March 29. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to experience rain and thunderstorms with snowfall over the hills from March 25 to March 26, and widespread rain from March 28 to March 30. In Punjab and Islamabad, similar weather patterns are expected from March 25 to March 26 and again from the evening of March 28 to March 30.

Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir will see rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall over the hills from March 25 to March 26 and March 28 to March 30. Sindh is predicted to receive rain and thunderstorms with isolated hailstorms on March 25 and March 26, and again from March 28 to March 29.

Authorities have advised travelers and tourists to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. Farmers are urged to manage their crops in accordance with the prevailing weather conditions, and all concerned authorities have been advised to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent any untoward situations.

For continuous updates on the weather, the public is encouraged to visit the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s website or the Pak Weather Application.