Heavy rain, snowfall forecast after prolonged dry spell

Islamabad:The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast weather changes in the country, marking the end of a prolonged dry spell.

According to it, a new weather system is expected to affect western and upper parts of the country, bringing heavy rain, wind, and thunderstorms, along with substantial snowfall in the hilly regions. The weather pattern will persist until January 6.

The PMD forecast rain, wind and thunderstorms in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with heavy snowfall expected in areas such as Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar and Neelum Valley. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain will fall in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan and Abbottabad as well as districts such as Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera and Kohat, with heavy snowfall on the higher hills.

As for Punjab and Islamabad, rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit areas such as the federal capital, Murree, Galliyat, and parts of the Pothohar region. Light rain is expected in Multan, Sahiwal, and Dera Ghazi Khan. The PMD said the cold weather was expected to persist across the region, especially in the northern and central parts of Punjab.

In Balochistan, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman and other parts of Balochistan will experience rain and wind, along with snowfall over the hills until January 4. Qila Abdullah and Qila Saifullah will also face weather disruptions. However, most of Sindh will remain cold and dry, with light rain and thunderstorms expected in Dadu, Sukkur, and Jacobabad on January 3 and 4. The PMD highlighted several potential hazards associated with the upcoming weather system. It warned that heavy snowfall in hilly regions like Murree, Galliyat, Swat, Kohistan and Gilgit-Baltistan was expected to disrupt road traffic. Also, there is a risk of landslides and avalanches in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab.

The department urged authorities to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to prevent accidents, while tourists were advised against making unnecessary travel to hilly areas during the period due to the risk of snow-related road closures and hazardous conditions.