Tag: Pakistan Meteorological Department

  • Glacial outburst expected in Gilgit Baltistan 

    Glacial outburst expected in Gilgit Baltistan 

    People of Gilgit-Baltistan have been warned of possible Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (Glof) events and floods this week due to the rising temperature in the region.

    Pakistan Meteorological Department on Monday alerted local authorities that daytime temperatures in GB and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to remain four to six degrees Celsius, higher than normal, between May 21 and 27. 

    Wind and thunderstorms are also expected in this time span, reports Dawn.

    Glof and flash floods are likely to affect vulnerable snow-covered and glaciated areas of Gilgit Baltistan and the Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

    Local authorities have asked people living near glaciers should take precautionary measures. Tourists have also been advised to be careful during rain.

    In 2022, flash floods and Glofs hit many villages in the Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Astore, Skardu, and Gilgit districts of GB.

  • Artificial rain in Lahore; Just looking like a wow

    Artificial rain in Lahore; Just looking like a wow

    In a historic stride, Lahore on Saturday witnessed its maiden experiment with artificial rain, revealed caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi.

    Addressing the media in Lahore, the caretaker CM Punjab said that the occasion marks the first successful venture into artificial rain in the country’s history. He revealed that this morning, Lahore, previously the most polluted city, experienced artificial rain for the first time.

    Naqvi clarified that no additional funds were allocated for this initiative, however, he expressed willingness to spend money if needed to combat smog. Rainfall occurred in approximately 10 areas of Lahore, covering a planned region of 10 to 15 km.

    He expressed gratitude to the Environment Department and the UAE team for their exhaustive scrutiny of the process, culminating in the eagerly awaited results.

    Detailing the procedure, Naqvi disclosed that 48 flares were deployed for cloud seeding, specifically targeting the Shahdara area.

    Looking ahead, Naqvi mentioned the upcoming installation of smog towers. He emphasized that the artificial rain experiment, being both novel and impactful, is currently under observation for short-term and long-term effects. Results from the artificial rain are expected tonight.

    Naqvi shared insights into the cloud seeding mission, noting that it was executed some time ago, directing clouds towards Shahdara and Muridke.

  • Awaam ka paisa artificial rain mein zaaya karne ki ijazat nahi dein ge, says Lahore High Court

    Awaam ka paisa artificial rain mein zaaya karne ki ijazat nahi dein ge, says Lahore High Court

    In today’s review of smog prevention in Lahore, Justice Shahid Kareem ordered that smoke-emitting factories be fined Rs10 lac each. Along with that he also warned the Punjab Government to not waste public money on any useless pursuit like artificial rain.

    The Director General Meteorological Department was present in the court to inform the judge that some of the sealed factories had opened themselves. Member water commission informed the court that such factories are working at night and the officers of the meteorological department are paid to stay silent on this. This prompted the court to issue a warning against these officers, reports Geo.

    The court ordered to fine domestic users Rs10,000 for wasting water and Rs20,000 thousand to commercial users for the same.

    The court also inquired about artificial rain and when it will materialize. The public prosecutor replied that the process is underway. The court admonished the government that public money should not get wasted in this pursuit.

    The court adjourned the hearing till December 8.

    As Lahore battles with hazardous levels of smog, Punjab has been planning artificial rain to dispel toxic pollution. The Punjab government has planned to carry out cloud seeding in Lahore to cause artificial rain, estimated to cost a whopping Rs 350 million. This was expected to happen in December.

  • Pakistan Meteorological Department issues countrywide monsoon warning

    Pakistan Meteorological Department issues countrywide monsoon warning

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has on Sunday issued a countrywide advisory of heavy monsoon rain, warning that from Monday night onwards there could be hailstorms resulting in urban flooding, as reported by Dawn. 

    PMD said that moist currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to enter the upper parts of Pakistan while a wave from the west is likely to enter the region. The weather system is expected to last till July 8, with district administrations being cautioned to remain alert in order to avoid flood-like situations.

    Rain, thunderstorms, and scattered hailstorms are expected in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kurram, Bannu, Lakki, Marwat, Kohat, Mianwali, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh from July 3 – July 8. 

    Rain/wind-thundershower with isolated heavy falls expected in Barkhan, Loralai, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Lasbella, Awaran, Musakhel, D.I Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan, D.G. Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Adu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal and Okara from July 5- July 8.  

    Rain/wind-thundershower with isolated heavy falls expected in Sukkur, Jacobabad Ghotki, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana, Mithi, Chhor, Padidan, Nagarparkar, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Mirpur Khas, Dadu, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad and Karachi on July 7 and the next day. 

    From July 4- July 7, low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala and Lahore are at risk of urban flooding caused by heavy rain. The downpour may also trigger landslides in vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

    From July 6-July 8, heavy rainfall may cause flash floods in the hill torrent areas of D.G. Khan and adjoining areas of northeast Baluchistan.

    Farmers and tourists have been cautioned to plan their activities keeping in mind the weather forecast. 

    The public has also been cautioned to avoid areas with loose structures during the heavy spells of rain, such as electric poles, solar panels, etc.

  • Met department predicts monsoon rains from tomorrow, warns of urban flooding

    Met department predicts monsoon rains from tomorrow, warns of urban flooding

    Monsoon rain-wind/thundershowers are expected in most parts of Pakistan starting from Thursday (June 30), according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

    Rainfall is expected in Islamabad, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Hafizabad, M. B Din, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, T.T Singh, Okara, Sahiwal and Bahawalnagar from June 30 to July 4. Isolated heavy falls are also expected during the period.

    PMD has warned that heavy falls may generate urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalabad from July 2 to July 4 and in Karachi and Hyderabad from July 3 to July 5.

  • Met department predicts torrential rains starting next week

    Met department predicts torrential rains starting next week

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted torrential rainfall starting next week, putting an end to the brutal heatwave in most parts of Pakistan.

    As per the latest PMD forecast, a new weather system will develop in the country from Sunday, attracting downpours from the May 16 to May18.

    Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, upper and central Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu Kashmir. Following the rain, the PMD predicts that temperatures in these areas will decrease radically.

    In addition, the PMD has directed that the relevant Disaster Management Authorities be on high alert in order to avert loss of life and property throughout the rainfall.

    In other news, the PMD has warned that a severe heatwave will approach Sindh. The extreme heat will extend through May 17th, with daytime temperatures in most regions exceeding usual.

    Read more: Heatwave Alert: All physical activities in Punjab schools suspended

    Daytime highs in upper Sindh will linger between 46°C and 48°C, in central Sindh districts between 43°C and 45°C, and in lower Sindh districts between 38°C and 40°C.

  • Severe heatwave conditions predicted by Met office from Sunday

    Severe heatwave conditions predicted by Met office from Sunday

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted extreme heatwave conditions across Pakistan for the coming week, warning that high pressure will hold the upper atmosphere starting Sunday, May 8.

    Day temperatures are expected to steadily increase in most parts of the country from Sunday due to this high pressure, as per a notification from PMD.

    The temperature in upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir was expected to hover between 7-9 degrees Celsius beyond average during the day.

    Meanwhile, the daytime temperature of Upper and central Sindh, central and south Punjab and areas of Balochistan will likely experience temperatures between 6-8 degrees Celsius above usual.

    Read more: Pakistan starts oil and gas production from Dhok Sultan DS X-1

    The department also tweeted a warning about the heatwave’s potential effects, stating that extremely hot and dry weather might affect dams, crops, vegetables, and forests.

  • Murree, other districts finalise fresh emergency plan ahead of upcoming rain and snow

    Murree, other districts finalise fresh emergency plan ahead of upcoming rain and snow

    The administration of Rawalpindi district, which includes Gujar Khan, Kahuta, Kallar Syedan, Kotli Sattian, Murree, Rawalpindi Tehsil, and Taxila has finalised a fresh contingency plan ahead of the upcoming rain and snow that is forecasted for the hilly areas from Tuesday, January 18, and Thursday, January 20.

    The Meteorological Office has asked all departments to make appropriate arrangements ahead of the snowfall and rain in the region.

    Additional deputy commissioner and three assistant commissioners have been deployed in Murree to avoid another tragedy.

    According to the new plan, much of the focus will be on snow removal and traffic management. Entry in the hill station will be regulated which means not more 8,000 vehicles will be allowed to enter.

    In addition, the probe committee, which is expected to submit its report to Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on January 16, is now camped out at the Punjab House in Islamabad.

    Earlier this week, The Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) responsible for the Murree tragedy which killed 23 people, including children due to carbon monoxide poisonous gas in their cars.

  • End of toxic smog in Punjab: Met Office predicts rain across country

    End of toxic smog in Punjab: Met Office predicts rain across country

    The people of Punjab will finally be able to take a deep breath. The Met Office has predicted rain across the country, in the upcoming 36 hours, which will clear the blanket of toxic smog in the province.

    The most awaited rain, as per the forecast of weather experts, is expected at different parts of the country during the weekend after a prolonged dry spell and help subside the prevailing smog in the plain areas of Punjab.

    Travellers had been facing severe inconvenience, especially on the motorways, due to the intense fog in most areas of Punjab at morning and night hours while some motorways authorities imposed travel restrictions at certain places with severe smoggy conditions.

    Rain would give relief to the citizens facing allergies, as well as influenza and cough due to the dry weather spell. Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) revealed that a weak westerly weather system is likely to enter upper parts of the country and would persist till Sunday.

    Under this weather system, rain with snowfall over the hills is expected in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and Northeast Punjab on Saturday (evening or night) and Sunday.

    Rain with wind-thunderstorm is also expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Pishin, Zhob and its surrounding on Saturday (evening or night).

    Rain-wind-thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected in Kashmir, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad on Sunday.

    Light rain/wind-thunderstorm is expected in Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Charsadda, Bajaur, Kurram, Waziristan, Kohat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal and Lahore on Saturday night and Sunday.

    Snowfall is also expected in Neelum valley, Bagh, Rawalakot, Nathiagali, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu, Astore, Chitral, Dir, Swat and Malam Jabba on Sunday. About the possible impacts of the rain, the Met office said the prevailing smog conditions would likely to subside in plains of Punjab while the dense fog would likely to develop over plain areas of Punjab from Monday. The night temperatures would likely to fall gradually after the wet spell and severe cold weather conditions may prevail at certain places.