The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a stern warning of impending severe weather conditions, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and snowfall in various parts of Balochistan, including Quetta and Gwadar.
According to the latest synoptic situation analysis, a potent westerly wave is anticipated to approach western regions of Pakistan on Thursday, February 29th. This weather system is expected to envelop most areas of the country by Friday, March 1st, persisting until Saturday, March 2nd.
In light of these developments, the PMD predicts cloudy weather accompanied by rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall over higher elevations in northern and southern Balochistan on Wednesday evening and night.
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Subsequently, Thursday and Friday are forecasted to witness intensified weather patterns, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected to lash several districts of Balochistan. Areas likely to be affected include Nokkundi, Dalbandin, Chagi, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Awaran, Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara, Panjgur, Kharan, Noushki, Washuk, Mastung, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kohlu, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Ziarat, Quetta, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, and Qila Saifullah.
The PMD further warns of the possibility of isolated hailstorms during this period, posing additional risks to residents and travelers.
Of particular concern are the potential flash floods in local nullahs across Gwadar, Ketch, Turbat, Panjgur, Awaran, Barkhan, Kohlu, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Dalbandin, Khuzdar, and Dera Ghazi Khan on Thursday and Friday.
In anticipation of the inclement weather, the PMD advises residents to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to mitigate risks to life and property.
Furthermore, temperature forecasts indicate that Quetta is expected to experience minimum temperatures ranging between 03-05 degrees Celsius on Thursday and 04-06 degrees Celsius on Friday. Similarly, Gwadar is forecasted to have minimum temperatures between 17-19 degrees Celsius on Thursday and 18-20 degrees Celsius on Friday.
These weather conditions follow heavy rainfall experienced in Quetta, Gwadar, and other parts of Balochistan during the past 24 hours. Notable rainfall measurements include 137 mm in Jiwani, 125 mm in Gwadar, and 2 mm each in Quetta, Sibbi, and Pasni. Khuzdar recorded 1 mm of rainfall.
The inclement weather disrupted daily life, causing flash floods in local nullahs and urban flooding in Gwadar and other residential areas. Kalat reported the coldest temperature in the province, dropping to 02 degrees Celsius, with a relative humidity of 61 percent during the morning. In Quetta, the minimum temperature was recorded at 03 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity at 81 percent, while in Gwadar, the minimum temperature was 17 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity at 90 percent.
As residents brace themselves for the impending weather conditions, authorities advise vigilance and readiness to respond to any emergencies that may arise due to the anticipated heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.