Islamabad: A westerly disturbance is forecast to impact the northern and western regions of Pakistan starting March 17, resulting in light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and windstorms across various parts of the country until March 25. The meteorological events are anticipated to affect Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Balochistan, and parts of Sindh, with an overall decrease in temperatures expected nationwide.

According to Press Information Department: Punjab will experience widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and windstorms, particularly in the upper and central areas such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore Division. Isolated hailstorms are also likely in the upper regions of the province. In contrast, southern Punjab will face occasional cloudy weather with isolated rainfall. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, widespread precipitation and storms are expected in several districts, with occasional breaks. Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will see isolated rainfall and thunderstorms, with snowfall over higher elevations.

For Balochistan, isolated rainfall and thunderstorms are projected in various areas from March 17 to 23. Sindh is expected to remain mostly dry, although isolated rainfall and thunderstorms might occur in cities such as Karachi and Hyderabad during the forecast period.