Rain, snowfall forecast in Sindh, Punjab during early Ramadan

LAHORE/KARACHI: As Ramadan begins, parts of Sindh and Punjab are expected to receive rain with thunderstorms and snowfall in the hilly areas from tomorrow (March 2).

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather advisory forecasting rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall across most districts of the province, while the Met Office has predicted a westerly wave to impact western parts of the country, leading to widespread rain and snowfall in hilly areas.

As a result, some areas of Sindh may also receive rain with thunderstorms between the night of March 2 and the morning of March. 3. Light rain or drizzle is expected in Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Ghotki, and surrounding regions.

The weather in most parts of Sindh, including Karachi, is expected to remain cloudy in this duration. However, Karachi will see sunny days today and tomorrow, with strong winds possible on March 3. The daytime temperature in Karachi is forecasted to remain between 30 to 32 degrees Celsius, as per the Met Office.

Meanwhile, PDMA’s spokesperson said that Murree and Galiyat are expected to receive rain and heavy snowfall from the night of March 2 until the afternoon of March 4, which may cause road closures and slippery conditions.

Areas including Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Mianwali, Khushab, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh are expected to receive rain and thunderstorms on March 2 and 3.

Meanwhile, Multan, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Layyah, and Okara may also experience rainfall during this period.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali has instructed all commissioners and deputy commissioners to stay on high alert. Directives have been issued to Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rescue 1122, Punjab Irrigation Department, Punjab Livestock Department, and other relevant agencies to take necessary measures in response to the predicted weather.

Authorities warned that hailstorms could occur in some parts of upper Punjab, and travellers heading to mountainous areas are advised to remain cautious. Farmers have also been urged to adjust their activities accordingly.

To ensure public safety, the PDMA has issued the following directives

• Ensure sufficient staffing round-the-clock in DEOCs for effective coordination and response.
• Collect and share the latest information with PDMA, line departments, and national authorities.
• Generate Situation Reports (SITREP) to cover any major incidents/developments to share with PDMA promptly.
• Rescue 1122 (Disaster Response Force) to remain high alert and have sufficient emergency response personnel and equipment during the forecasted period.
• Establish a streamlined and efficient communication system through phone calls, SMS and announcements to ensure timely dissemination of weather forecasts, advisories, and alerts to the local community through patwaris, lumberdars, and general announcement in mosques.
• Local traffic authorities to proactively enforce robust traffic control measures in snow-affected areas.
• Periodically inspect and test snow plows, loaders, salt spreaders, and other snow clearing machinery to ensure full operability.
• Advise residents, travelers and tourists to stock emergency kits containing essentials like warm clothing, medicines, food, power banks and flashlights.

Authorities have urged the public to stay updated through official weather advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and smooth observance of Ramadan amid the changing weather conditions.