The Meteorological Department today issued a stark warning of potential flash flooding in local streams and nullahs across various districts of Balochistan over the next 48 hours, as a persistent westerly weather system impacts the region.
The Met Office”s Quetta Regional Centre confirmed on Tuesday that a westerly wave is actively affecting the northern and northwestern parts of the province, creating conditions for significant rainfall.
For the immediate 24-hour period, forecasters predict scattered rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with the possibility of isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms, in Harnai, Ziarat, Bolan, Killa Abdullah, Killa Saifullah, Dukki, Loralai, and Chaman.
Meanwhile, isolated rainfall is anticipated in Quetta, Kohlu, Zhob, Mastung, Kachi, Sherani, Musa Khel, Dera Bugti, and Barkhan. The risk of flash flooding in local water channels exists throughout this period.
Looking ahead to the next 48 hours, the weather system is expected to bring more widespread rain, wind, and thunderstorms-with occasional gaps-to several districts. This includes Kharan, Chagai, Surab, Awaran, Kech, Khuzdar, Kalat, Bolan, Harnai, Ziarat, and Chaman, where isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are expected.
Scattered precipitation during the 48-hour timeframe is also forecast for Chagai, Washuk, coastal regions including Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, and Ormara, as well as Lasbella, Hub, Quetta, Mastung, Naushki, Naseerabad, Sibbi, Zhob, Loralai, Barkhan, Killa Saifullah, Killa Abdullah, Musa Khel, Sherani, and Jhal Magsi.
The recent weather activity has already resulted in significant precipitation, with Ziarat recording 29.0 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours.
During the same period, Kalat registered the province”s lowest minimum temperature at 7.0°C, while Quetta recorded a minimum of 10.5°C.