Westerly system to bring rain across Pakistan until March 31

A westerly weather system has entered Pakistan, bringing forecasts of widespread rain across the country from today through March 31, the Meteorological Department said. The system is expected to affect both plains and mountainous areas, with intermittent showers, thunderstorms, and potential snowfall in northern regions.

In Punjab, Lahore is under cloudy skies with scattered rain anticipated. Temperatures are expected to range from a minimum of 19°C to a maximum of 31°C, with the current reading at 24°C. Rainfall is also expected in other major districts, providing relief from recent dry conditions.

Rainfall, Thunderstorms, and Flood Risks in KP and Balochistan

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to experience thunderstorms in districts including Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, and Nowshera, while Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, and Mansehra are also forecast to receive rain. Abbottabad, Haripur, Balakot, and tribal districts may see rain accompanied by thunder and lightning, with snow in higher altitudes. Recent rainfall was recorded in Swat, Dir, Patan, and Timergara, with Dir receiving 4 mm and other areas 1 mm.

In Balochistan, most districts are expected to remain cloudy with localized rain in Kech, Panjgur, Lasbela, Gwadar, and Quetta, and heavier downpours in Kharan, Mastung, Bolan, Ziarat, and surrounding areas. Authorities have warned of low to moderate flooding in streams and small waterways in mountainous districts of Khuzdar, Kech, and northern Balochistan due to heavy rainfall.

The Meteorological Department has urged residents to remain cautious and stay updated on weather warnings as the westerly system continues to influence conditions across Pakistan.