Snow, Rain Forecast to Hit Pakistan This Weekend

News Desk 

Islamabad: After an extended period of dry weather that has persisted through the early winter months — mirroring drought patterns seen in recent years — Pakistan is finally set to receive much-needed precipitation this weekend, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

A shallow western disturbance approached the western regions of the country on Friday, bringing with it the promise of rain and snowfall across multiple provinces.

The Met Office forecasts light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in the plains, with snowfall expected over hilly areas from December 13 to 15. The precipitation is expected to bring relief to regions that have been gripped by unusually dry conditions during what is typically a wetter period.

Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms accompanied by snowfall over the hills are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Manshera, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Buner from December 13 to 15 with occasional gaps.

The same weather pattern will affect Gilgit-Baltistan — including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar — during this period.

Kashmir areas, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, and Haveli, are similarly expected to receive light to moderate rainfall and snowfall over the hills between December 13 and 15 with occasional gaps.

Partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with light rain and snowfall are expected in Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, and Waziristan on December 14 and 15. A similar weather pattern will affect Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, and Noshki during this timeframe.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/dry-cold-weather-forecast-for-lahore-2/

There are also chances of drizzle in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and the Potohar region, while light rain and snow are expected in Murree and Galliyat on Sunday and Monday.

From the night of December 12 through December 16, moderate and at times dense foggy conditions are likely to develop over the plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh. These foggy conditions may significantly reduce visibility and disrupt traffic on motorways and highways. The public is advised to remain cautious during this period.

The Met Office has indicated that another western disturbance is likely to influence western and upper parts of the country from December 19, suggesting that the current dry spell may finally be coming to an end with multiple weather systems on the horizon.

The rain is also expected to help reduce smog, which has been causing serious health issues, especially for citizens with allergies.

Snowfall may cause road closures and slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Quetta, Ziarat, and Chaman during the forecast period.

There is also a possibility of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Tourists and travelers visiting mountainous areas are advised to remain cautious.

Daytime temperatures are likely to drop during the forecast period, adding to the winter chill that has already set in across northern regions. Farmers are advised to manage their activities while keeping the latest weather forecast in mind to protect crops and adjust irrigation schedules accordingly.

After weeks of concerning dry conditions that have characterized the initial months of winter — following several years of similar weather patterns — this weekend’s weather system offers hope for replenishing water resources and providing relief to agricultural communities and regions dependent on snowmelt for their water supply.

The breaking of this prolonged dry spell could prove crucial for water availability and agricultural productivity as winter progresses.