Rain & Snowfall Over Hills Forecasted In Upper Parts Of Country: PMD

News Desk

Islamabad: A westerly wind that had previously affected North Balochistan will engulf the higher parts of the country on Friday night and deliver light to moderate rain with snowfall over the hills in various parts of the country over the course of the next several days.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the westerly wave will continue, with sporadic gaps, through January 25. Under the influence of this weather system, mild to moderate rain, wind and snowfall over the hills with chances of isolated hailstorm is predicted in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Potohar region, Kohistan, Swat, Dir, Chitral, Mansehra, Haripur, Abbottabad, Karak, Charsadda, Peshawar, Nowshera, Swabi, Buner, Bajaur, Kurram, Waziristan, Kohat, Bannu, Sargodha, Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib from January 21-24 with occasional gaps.

Light rain or drizzle is also expected in Multan, Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Dera Ismail Khan on January 20 and January 21.

Rain-wind with moderate to isolated heavy snowfall is expected in Kashmir (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur), Murree, Galiyat, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra and Abbottabad from January 23- 25.

According to the Met Office, there could be disruptions and road closures in MurreeGaliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli due to significant snowfall throughout the projected timeframe.

During the anticipated period, there may potentially be landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and Upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Visitors are urged to exercise additional caution during the spell.

The standing crops would benefit from the rain, especially in areas of Punjab and KP. After the spell, temperatures are predicted to drop dramatically.

All relevant authorities are urged to maintain their vigilance during the forecast period in order to prevent any undesirable situations.