The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted widespread rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with snowfall over hilly areas, on March 2 (today) and March 3 as a new weather system approaches the country.
According to the Met Office, a westerly wave is likely to enter western parts of Pakistan on Sunday (today), bringing rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall to various regions, particularly in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab.
Impact on Cricket and Diplomacy
The recent spell of rain in Rawalpindi has already affected two ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches – Pakistan vs. Bangladesh and Australia vs. South Africa – which were abandoned without a ball being bowled. On Saturday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a full ticket refund for spectators.
Additionally, the rain coincided with the arrival of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is on his maiden visit to Pakistan.
Areas Affected by Rain and Snow
Balochistan
Rain, wind, and thunderstorms with snowfall over the hills are expected in:
Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Mastung, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Chagi, Noushki, Kharan, Kalat, Barkhan, Khuzdar, Harnai, Zhob, and Sherani.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Northern Areas
Heavy snowfall and thunderstorms are expected in:
Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Battagram, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Swabi, Karak, Hangu, and Kohat.
Gilgit-Baltistan & Kashmir:
Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur will experience rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall.
Punjab & Islamabad
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecasted for:
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Mianwali, Khushab, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh.
Southern & Central Pakistan
Light rain, wind, and thunderstorms are expected in:
Bhakkar, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Okara, Larkana, and Sukkur.
Warnings Issued
The PMD has cautioned that moderate to heavy snowfall may cause road closures and slippery conditions in Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli.
There is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
A hailstorm is also expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab (including Islamabad), and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Travel & Agricultural Advisory
The Met Office has advised tourists and travelers in mountainous regions to remain cautious during the period. Farmers are also urged to plan their activities accordingly.
The PMD will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
