Tag: weather update

  • Heatwave expected in Punjab soon

    Heatwave expected in Punjab soon

    The Meteorological Department has predicted that Punjab is likely to be hit by a heatwave from May 12 onwards, with temperatures expected to surge past 40 degrees.

    Dr Zulfiqar told Geo News that like Sindh, a heatwave is expected in Punjab from the second week of the ongoing month.

    The expert advised people to avoid stepping outdoors unnecessarily and stay indoors to avoid heatstroke.

    El-Nino effect

    Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in its monthly outlook for May stated that the neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is expected to persist during the forecast of this month.

    Considering the climatic outlook, the PMD added, overall a tendency for near-normal rainfall is expected in most parts of the country, however, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Balochistan, northern Punjab, and Azad Kashmir may get slightly above normal rainfall.

    Daytime maximum temperatures are expected to remain slightly above normal over northern and southern parts of the country, however, the central parts comprising most parts of Punjab and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may experience normal to slightly below normal maximum temperature.

    Above-normal precipitation in May is expected to benefit agriculture in Pakistan but precautions should be taken to prevent damage to standing wheat crops during the harvesting stage from hailstorms and windstorms in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Photohar region and Gilgit-Baltistan.

    Anticipated higher temperatures in high-altitude regions are expected to accelerate snowmelt in the northern areas, offering opportunities for irrigation and power generation, it concluded.

  • Rain, snowfall on its way

    Rain, snowfall on its way

    The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rain and strong winds in Karachi today. In Lahore, strong winds have caused the temperature to drop.

    According to the Meteorological Department, it may drizzle at some places in Karachi, Sajawal, and Thatta today. Strong winds will continue to blow in Karachi till this evening with cloudy skies.

    There is a possibility of rain and snowfall in the mountains today in the Pothohar region, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, North Balochistan, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, reports Geo News. Various areas of the country including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Kohat, Malakand, Muzaffarabad, Diamar, Chilas, and Chaman received rain while snowfall was recorded in the mountains.

    Rescue teams have been put on high alert in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, and Murree due to strong winds and rain.

    Commissioner Rawalpindi said that they are monitoring the situation caused by wind and rain in Murree, the Deputy Commissioner has given specific instructions to Murree for necessary arrangements.

    On the other hand, in Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy snowfall occurred in Neelum Jhelum Valley, which affected the movement of traffic due to slippage on connecting roads, the weather became colder due to snowfall in Swat, Upper and Lower Dir, Karam district.

    Abbottabad and Mansehra are experiencing rain in the plains and light snow in the upper reaches, with up to 2 inches of snow in Shogran and 4 inches in Naran.

    Additionally, the western system of rainfall entered North Balochistan after which heavy rain and hailstorms occurred in Pak-Afghan border areas including Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Muslim Bagh, Toba Kakadi, Toba Achakzai, and Sheila Bagh.

  • Heavy smog blocks motorway again

    Heavy smog blocks motorway again

    Thick fog in the plains of Punjab has severely affected inter-city travel. Due to heavy fog, Lahore-Sialkot Motorway is closed, while M-2 Motorway from Lahore to Farooqabad, M4, Shurkot Interchange to Gojra and Multan-Sukkur Motorway are also suspended.

    Rain and snowfall are likely in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas today.

    Many regions of the country are in the grip of severe cold and during the last 24 hours, Kalam was the coldest region of the country with a temperature of minus 9 degree Celsius recorded.

    On the other hand, cold weather has returned to Karachi after heavy showers spread out over two days. However, the air in Karachi and Lahore is still polluted, while the air quality is relatively better.

  • Late winters turn northern areas into snowland

    Late winters turn northern areas into snowland

    As late winter tightens its grip on the northern parts of the country, Naran, Kaghan, Shogran, and Murree, are transforming into winter wonderlands. The recent snowfall has not only captivated tourists but also prompted local authorities to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors.

    In Naran, Kaghan, and Shogran, heavy snowfall has persisted for the third consecutive day, with Babusar Top expected to remain under its winter coat until the coming Sunday, according to Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) official Mozam Ali.

    Notable snowfall accumulations include 1.5 feet in Shogran, 2.5 feet in Naran, 3.5 feet in Babusar, and seven inches in Kaghan.

    The Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) road has been opened up to Rajwal, allowing tourists to explore beyond this point. To assist both tourists and locals, the KDA has established a tourist facilitation center at Balakot.

    The typical winter pattern in these areas involves initial rains in the last 10 to 15 days of November, followed by snowfall in December.

    However, climate change has disrupted the pattern, resulting in a lack of rain and snow. This deviation has significantly decreased tourist activity in the region, causing concern among those involved in the sector.

    Meanwhile, in the popular hill station of Murree, the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) has proactively initiated snow clearing and garbage removal operations following the season’s first snowfall.

    The efforts of the RWMC have allowed motorists to move easily in and around Murree, ensuring normal traffic flow.

    RWMC CEO Rana Sajid Safdar’s instructions to deploy additional workers during the snow season have proven effective in maintaining cleanliness despite the influx of visitors.

    The Murree district administration, under the directives of Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Abbas Sherazi, has finalized arrangements for the snowfall season.
    Tourists are being provided with weather updates and travel advisories at all entry points, with a special control room set up to facilitate inquiries and assistance.

    The district administration advises tourists to take necessary precautions, follow traffic rules, and stay informed about weather conditions before traveling to Murree.

    Strict actions are being taken against parking rules violators to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. In case of difficulties, tourists can seek assistance from dedicated tourist facilitation centers and the 24/7 operational control room.

  • Rain and snowfall finally on the way

    Rain and snowfall finally on the way

    The Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Punjab has issued an alert to the administration about rains and snowfall incoming in the next week.

    From today to January 31, there is a possibility of rain in the plains of Punjab and snowfall in the hilly areas, the spokesperson of PDMA warned. There is also possibility of snowfall with light and heavy rain in Murree and Galiyat from the 27th to the 31st of January.

    Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, and Sargodha will also receive rain between January 30 and 31, the spokesperson added.

    As for snowfall, the spokesperson cautioned that in Murree and Galiyat it may worsen the road conditions. Tourists are advised not to travel without checking the weather conditions. There are chances of landslides in hilly areas which may block the roads.

    PDMA has issued instructions to the administration across Punjab to remain alert.

    There is a round-the-clock information exchange system between the provincial and national institutions. Rescue agencies are on round-the-clock alert in view of the weather situation. The administration has directed the tourists coming from abroad to be especially careful and ensure their safety, PDMA informed.

  • Quetta becomes even colder; Drizzle expected in Karachi

    Quetta becomes even colder; Drizzle expected in Karachi

    Cold weather has increased in different cities of Balochistan after rain spells while a drizzle is expected in Karachi tonight (Saturday). The cold wave in other parts of the country is likely to become stronger, the Meteorological Department has said, reports Geo.

    The coldest temperature during the last 24 hours was hit in Skardu, where the mercury dropped to minus 9 degrees Celsius.

    The federal capital, Islamabad, is shrouded in dense fog which is affecting the flight schedule. Three international flights to Islamabad have been grounded in Karachi and Lahore. Due to low visibility, more than 500 flights have been delayed in the first 20 days of 2024.

    The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy fog in the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Upper Sindh during the next few days. Karachi is likely to remain partially cloudy during the next 24 hours, while the possibility of drizzle has also been indicated at some places this evening. On Sunday and Monday, the city is expected to be partly cloudy and cool at night.

    The minimum temperature of the coastal city is expected to be between 13 and 15 degrees Celsius, while winds will continue to blow from the northeast and southwest in the city throughout the day.

  • Get your umbrellas ready, rain showers are expected soon

    Get your umbrellas ready, rain showers are expected soon

    A new spell of rain is likely to start on the evening of Friday and Saturday as per Pakistan Meteorological Department.

    Met Office has said that a westerly system is likely to enter the upper parts of the country on October 13 (evening/night) and likely to spread to upper/central parts on 14th (night).

    Snowfall over the high mountains and isolated hailstorms in the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with snowfall over the high mountains in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan is expected.

    Under the influence of this weather system:

    Moderate to isolated heavy rain and thunderstorm are expected in the following areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Swabi, Khyber, Mohmand, Bajaur, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Kurram, Kohat, Hangu, Orakzai, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Waziristan and Dera Ismail Khan from 13th (evening/night) to 17th with occasional gaps.

    Moderate to isolated heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms are expected in the following areas of Kashmir/Gilgit-Baltistan: Kashmir, (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur), Gilgit Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar) from 13th (night) to 17th.

    Moderate to isolated heavy rainfalls and hailstorms are expected in Islamabad and the following areas of Punjab: Islamabad, Potohar region, Murree, Galiyat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Gujranwala, Gujrat, M.B. Din, Hafizabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Noorpurthal, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang and Kasur from 13th (night) to 17th.

    Rain-wind/thunderstorm is also expected in Layyah, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Sahiwal, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan on 16th (evening/night) to 18th with occasional gaps.

    In Sindh, rain/wind-thunderstorm are expected in Jacobabad, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Ghotki, Khairpur, Sanghar, and Umerkot on the 17th (evening/night) and 18th.

    In Balochistan, rain/wind-thunderstorm are expected in Sherani, Musa Khel, Zhob, Qilla Saifullah, Loralai, Barkhan, Kohlu, Sibbi, Bolan, Kalat, Harnai, Naseerabad, Dera Bugti, Jaffarabad, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Quetta and Ziarat on 17th and 18th.

    Impacts and Advises:

    Moderate to heavy falls may increase water flows in local Nullahs/streams and may trigger landslides in the vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra & Abbottabad during the spell. Tourists and travelers are advised to remain cautious during the forecast period.

    Heavy rain may generate urban flooding in Rawalpindi and Lahore on the 15th (evening/night) and 16th.

    Temperatures are likely to drop significantly and farmers are advised to manage their crop activities accordingly.