PMD Warns of Heavy Rain, Storms Across Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on February 16, 2026, issued a weather advisory warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong wind,s and isolated hail across several districts of Balochistan, southern Punjab and lower Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Residents in affected areas were advised to stay alert, secure loose items and avoid unnecessary travel due to hazardous conditions.

According to the advisory, a shallow westerly wave moving into the region is expected to bring unsettled weather through February 17, with strong gusts and storm activity particularly in Quetta, Pishin, Muslim Bagh, Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, Sibi, and Kalat in Balochistan. Lower Khaiber-Pakhtunkhwa and southern Punjab districts may also experience periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

PMD specifically noted that conditions could become severe in parts of southern and coastal Balochistan, including Kech, Panjgur, Washuk, Kharan, Khuzdar, and Gwadar, where gusty winds and rainfall are likely. Isolated hailstorms may occur in localized pockets.

Officials cautioned that heavy showers coupled with thunderstorms can significantly reduce visibility on roads, increase risk for flash flooding in low-lying areas, and pose dangers to vehicles, pedestrians, and outdoor structures. Travelers and commuters were urged to check updated forecasts before planning journeys in or through the affected provinces.

Weather Context and Preparedness

This latest advisory follows typical winter-season weather patterns where western disturbances and westerly waves influence rainfall distribution over western and southern Pakistan. Such systems can bring short-duration but intense rainfall, strong winds, and occasional hail, especially over the highlands of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Local authorities in storm-prone districts are working with disaster management teams to monitor developing conditions and support emergency response if required. Communities in vulnerable areas were encouraged to follow official guidance from district administrations and rely on authenticated PMD updates for evolving forecasts.

Officials reiterated that outside of the storm-affected regions, much of Pakistan is expected to see cold and dry weather, particularly in hilly terrain where rainfall chances remain low.

What Residents Should Do

PMD’s forecast emphasizes practical precautions:

• Secure outdoor items that could be blown away by strong winds.
• Avoid travel during peak storm activity if possible.
• Monitor local weather updates and heed alerts from authorities.
• Stay indoors during intense thunderstorms and heavy rain.

Taking these steps can help reduce the risk of weather-related accidents and property damage as the system moves through the affected provinces.