The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather advisory forecasting rain and thunderstorms across Karachi and various districts of Sindh from March 18 to 19. The alert, issued on Monday, warns of a significant westerly weather system expected to impact western regions of the country, bringing unsettled conditions to the province.
According to the PMD, the metropolis of Karachi is likely to experience partly cloudy weather with chances of thunderstorms and rain during the two-day period. The advisory extends to numerous other districts in Sindh, including Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and Matiari, where rain and thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and isolated hailstorms are anticipated on Wednesday and Thursday. Districts such as Larkana, Qamber Shahdad Kot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Ghotki, and Sukkur are set to receive heavy rainfall with occasional gaps. The PMD has cautioned that lightning strikes may occur at isolated locations and has advised farmers to manage their crops accordingly in light of the forecast.
In response to the weather warning, the Sindh Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has directed concerned authorities to implement all necessary mitigation measures to address potential impacts. The broader weather system is expected to affect other parts of Pakistan as well, with rain and thunderstorms forecast from March 17 to 20. Balochistan and adjoining areas may experience rain, wind, and thunderstorms during the Eid period, while upper parts of the country can expect partly cloudy to cloudy conditions.
Further details from the PMD indicate that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will see rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall in areas including Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Peshawar from March 17 to 20. Punjab, including cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi, is also forecast to receive rain. Additionally, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are expected to experience rain and snowfall in various regions during this period.
Residents and authorities in affected areas are urged to stay informed through official updates and take necessary precautions as the weather system develops.