ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Meteorological Department has forecast more rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms from late Sunday, coinciding with the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
A westerly weather system is expected to move into the country, bringing rain and even snowfall in northern regions.
It is worth mentioning that recent rain in Rawalpindi also affected the two Champions Trophy matches between Pakistan and Bangladesh and Australia and South Africa.
Under the influence of this weather system, rain, wind, and thunderstorms with snowfalls over the hills are expected in different parts of Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir from Sunday night to Monday.
The Met Office has warned that moderate to few heavy snowfalls might cause road closure/slippery conditions in hilly areas.
There was a possibility of landslides and avalanches in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir during the period.
“Farmers are advised to manage their activities keeping in view the weather forecast period.” However, the dry weather will prevail in most districts of Sindh.
In January the PMD issued an alert about emerging drought conditions in the country after scarce rainfall.
Met Office stated that drought conditions emerging in the country as Pakistan received below normal rainfall (-40%) from 01st September 2024 to 15th Jan 2025 period across the country.
Sindh province received 52% lesser rainfall during the period, the PMD said in its report about drought conditions.
According to the PMD, Balochistan received 45% less rainfall, while Punjab saw a 42% reduction compared to normal levels.
The Met Department has warned that mild drought-like conditions have developed in several regions of the country.
It said the above-normal temperatures may contribute to the intensification of mild drought conditions into moderate drought, particularly in the rainfed areas of the country.
