Islamabad, The National Weather Forecasting Centre in Islamabad has forecasted a significant weather change across Pakistan due to a westerly wave entering the country on March 27. This system is expected to affect various regions until March 31, bringing rain, wind/thunderstorms, and snowfall over the mountains, with the potential for heavy falls and hailstorms in isolated areas.

According to National Weather Forecasting Centre – Islamabad, the weather phenomenon will impact Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Punjab, Islamabad, Balochistan, and Sindh, with specific forecasts for each region. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is set to experience rain-windstorm/thunderstorm conditions with snowfall over the mountains from March 27 to March 31, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms anticipated on March 29 and 30.

In Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, similar conditions are expected from March 27 to April 1, with the potential for heavy falls and hailstorms on March 29 and 30. Punjab, including Islamabad, will see rain-wind/thunderstorms from March 27 (evening/night) to March 31, with isolated windstorm/hailstorms forecasted throughout the province.

Balochistan is expected to experience rain-wind/thunderstorms from March 27 to March 29, with dry weather and dust-raising winds predicted in southern parts of the province. Sindh will see rain-wind/thunderstorms in select areas on March 28 and 29, with dry conditions expected in the southern parts.

The forecasting centre has warned of possible impacts such as landslides in vulnerable areas, particularly in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan around March 29 and 30. Additionally, windstorm/hailstorm and lightning could damage standing crops, loose structures, electric poles, vehicles, and solar panels. A drop in temperatures is also anticipated during this wet spell.

Authorities have been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of the weather system. Tourists and farmers are especially urged to exercise caution during this period.