PMD Forecasts Widespread Rain and Snowfall Across Country

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, and snowfall in several parts of the country from Monday, warning of heavy snowfall, possible landslides, and road closures in hilly areas.

The department said cloudy conditions with intermittent rain and snowfall are expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Balochistan, and upper Punjab. Rain and thunderstorms are also likely in south Punjab and upper Sindh. Isolated heavy rainfall along with moderate to intense snowfall may occur in mountainous regions.

According to the PMD, heavy snowfall between January 26 and 27 may disrupt daily life and block roads in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli. Several districts of Balochistan including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai, and Zhob may also be affected.

The department warned that the risk of landslides and avalanches may increase in the hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Kashmir during this period. Tourists have been advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.

In Islamabad and adjoining areas, cold and partly cloudy weather is expected, with rain and thunderstorms likely during the evening and night.

Most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience cold and cloudy conditions, while rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall over hills are expected in Chitral, Swat, Dir, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Malakand, Kohat, Kurram, Bajaur, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan. Isolated heavy snowfall may occur in upper districts during night hours.

Punjab is expected to remain partly cloudy, with rain and thunderstorms at isolated locations in central and southern districts including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Bahawalpur. Very cold conditions with rain and snowfall are likely in Murree and the Galliyat, while light to moderate fog may develop in some areas during the morning.

In Sindh, cold and partly cloudy weather will prevail, with rain and thunderstorms expected in Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Dadu. Balochistan will remain cold and cloudy, with rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall likely in Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, Zhob, Loralai, Mastung, Khuzdar, and coastal districts.

Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan will experience very cold and cloudy weather, with rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall, including isolated heavy snowfall.

The PMD reported that cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country during the past 24 hours, with very cold conditions in hilly areas. Leh recorded the lowest temperature at minus 14 degrees Celsius, followed by Astore, Kalam, and Nathia Gali at minus 9 degrees Celsius.

Authorities have urged travelers, particularly tourists and transporters, to stay updated on weather advisories and take precautionary measures.