Good news for growers as heavy rains forecast

Islamabad:The Pakistan Meteorological Department has said a strong westerly weather system has entered Pakistan, bringing widespread rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall across various regions.

According to it, the system, which initially affected the western areas, will extend to the upper regions by February 25 and continue to impact northern regions until March 2. Heavy rain and thunderstorms, along with significant snowfall over the hills, are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar. A similar weather pattern will occur in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur in Kashmir from February 25 to March 2.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, areas like Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Waziristan, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan will experience heavy rain and thunderstorms from Monday night until March 1. Moderate to heavy snowfall is predicted for Murree, Galliyat, and nearby areas from February 25 to March 1.

Rain and thunderstorms are also expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and several cities in Punjab, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Multan, from February 25 to 28.

The system will impact parts of Balochistan, with rain and snowfall expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Mastung, Pishin, and nearby regions until February 26. Light rain may also occur in Larkana, Jacobabad, Sukkur, and Qambar Shahdadkot on February 25-26.

Heavy snowfall could cause travel disruptions in areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Skardu. The PMD has issued warnings for possible flash floods in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir between February 25 and March 1, and landslides may affect mountainous regions. Some plains in KP, Punjab, and Islamabad may experience hailstorms.

Authorities have advised tourists to refrain from unnecessary travel during this period. The rainfall is expected to benefit crops, especially in Punjab and KP. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), along with provincial and state disaster management agencies, has been advised to stay on high alert and implement necessary precautions to prevent any incidents.