Rain likely to lash upper parts of country from this evening

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday predicted rain and thunderstorm in upper parts of the country from March 9 to 12.

Met Office forecast that a westerly wave is likely to approach western parts of the country on Monday (today) evening and likely to persist till Thursday.

Under the influence of this weather system, partly cloudy to cloudy weather condition with chances of moderate rain-wind-thunderstorm (few heavyfalls at times) in the districts of Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battgram, Buner, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir expected from March 9 evening to March 12.

While, light rain-wind/thunderstorm is also likely in Khyber, Mohmand, Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera Bajaur, Bannu, Waziristan, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Hangu and Mianwali on March 10 and 11, the weather advisory department said.

“Rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Islamabad, Pothohar region, Murree, Galliyat and surroundings from March 9 (night) to March 11 with occasional gaps,” the PMD said.

Hailstorm at isolated places is also likely in Islamabad and upper parts of the country during the forecast period, it added.

Due to this, daytime temperatures are expected to decrease 3 to 4 °C in upper parts of the country.

Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir during the period.

Tourists are advised to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travelling during the forecast period. Farmers are advised to manage their crops according to the prevailing weather conditions.

Due to recent situation in Iran, the winds may carry pollutants, and deteriorate air quality in the western parts of the country.