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National Weather Forecasting Centre, Islamabad
Pakistan Meteorological Department

Press Release
Issue Date: 16 Feb, 2024 12:25 PM
Rain-Wind/Thunderstorm (Snowfall over the hills) with isolated Hailstorm predicted in upper/central parts from 17th (night) to 21st February

Met Office informed that a strong westerly wave is likely to approach western parts on 17th (night) and may grip upper/central parts of the country on 18th February. Under the influence of this weather system:

  • Gilgit Baltistan/Kashmir:
    Moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), Kashmir (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur) from 17th (night) to 21st Feb with occasional gaps. Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the period.
  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
    Moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Buner, Bajaur, Kurram, Waziristan, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan from 17th (night) to 20th Feb with occasional gaps. Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the period.
  • Punjab/Islamabad:
    Moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur from 17th (night) to 21st Feb, while light to moderate rain-wind/thunderstorm in Multan, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan on 18th & 19th Feb. Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the period.
  • Balochistan
    Rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel and Kohlu on 18th (evening/night) & 19th Feb.
  • Sindh
    Dry weather with strong gusty winds is expected in southern parts of the province from 18th to 20th Feb.

Possible Impacts and advises:

  • Heavy rain/snowfall may disrupt and cause closure of roads in Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli from 18th to 20th February.
  • Possibility of landslides in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan cannot be ruled out during the forecast period.
  • Wind-thunderstorm/hailstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, Vehicles and solar panels etc.
  • Farmers and tourists are advised to remain extra cautious during the spell.
    • Note: All concerned authorities are advised to remain “ALERT” and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.

Spokesperson