The Meteorological Department Quetta Regional Centre on Friday issued a significant weather advisory, predicting widespread rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms across most of Balochistan due to an active westerly wave affecting the province. The forecast includes the possibility of isolated heavy downpours, hailstorms, and even snowfall over northern hills within the next 24 hours.
The 24-hour projection indicates that scattered rain and thunderstorms are anticipated in a vast number of districts, including Zhob, Musa Khel, Sherani, Sibi, Kohlu, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, Jhal Magsi, Naseerabad, Harnai, Loralai, and the provincial capital, Quetta. The inclement weather is also expected to impact Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Noshki, Mastung, Kalat, Panjgur, Turbat, Kech, Awaran, and the Makran coastal areas of Gwadar, Pasni, and Ormara. Other affected areas include Lasbela, Khuzdar, Kharan, Chagai, Dalbandin, Dukki, Kachi, Sohbatpur, and Jaffarabad.
Authorities have warned of isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, particularly in the northeastern districts of the province. Furthermore, the forecast notes a chance of snow over the hills in the northern parts. Strong, gusty winds are also predicted to prevail in the western and southern regions.
Looking ahead to the next 48 hours, the weather system is expected to persist, with scattered rain and thunderstorms continuing in many of the same districts. Isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms remain a possibility during this period. However, districts such as Chagai, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, Awaran, and the Makran coast are expected to receive light to moderate rain, while strong winds will continue in western and southern parts.
The report also provided data on the weather from the preceding 24 hours, during which several areas received significant precipitation. Pasni recorded the highest rainfall at 35.0mm, followed by Sibbi with 26.0mm and Lasbela with 20.5mm. Other notable measurements included 18.75mm in Ziarat and 6.0mm in Quetta city.
Minimum temperatures recorded in the last 24 hours showed Kalat as the coldest location at 3.0°C. In contrast, coastal areas remained warmer, with minimum temperatures of 18.0°C in Gwadar and 18.5°C in Jiwani.