Islamabad, February 18, 2024 – Pakistan’s renowned tourist destinations, including Murree, Naran, and Kaghan, are bracing for heavy rains and snowfall over the next three days, as per the latest forecast from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The PMD’s forecast, released today, predicts that the anticipated precipitation may disrupt and lead to the closure of roads in various regions, including Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Havellian from February 18th to 20th. There is also a significant possibility of landslides in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan during this period.
According to the PMD’s forecast for Monday, February 19, 2024, cloudy weather with rain, wind-thunderstorms, and snow is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar region, Islamabad, Punjab, and northern Balochistan. Additionally, intense or heavy rainfall, with snowfall over hills, is likely in Kashmir, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, and the Potohar region. Isolated hailstorms are also expected during this forecast period.
The weather conditions on Sunday, February 18, 2024, were reported as cloudy weather with rain, wind-thunderstorms, and snow expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar region, Islamabad, Punjab, and northern Balochistan. Moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by snowfall over hills, was predicted in Kashmir, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, and the Potohar region. Isolated hailstorms were also anticipated.
The PMD explained that a westerly wave is currently affecting the western parts of the country and is expected to move over the upper parts, potentially strengthening over the next 12 hours. This synoptic situation is the primary cause behind the forecasted heavy precipitation in the mentioned regions.
Over the past 24 hours, the weather has been characterized by cold and dry conditions over most parts of the country. However, some relief was observed with recorded rain in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan. Rainfall measurements (mm) included Dir, Kalam, and Malam Jabba with 03 mm, and Balakot and Pattan with 02 mm. In Gilgit Baltistan, Astore received 02 mm, and Gupis received 01 mm. Snowfall (inches) was reported at Malam Jabba with 01 inch.
The lowest minimum temperatures recorded today (°C) included Gupis at -04, Leh and Kalam at -03, and Bagrote and Hunza at -01.
As the forecasted heavy rains and snowfall approach, residents and travelers are advised to exercise caution and stay updated on the latest weather advisories to ensure their safety and well-being during this period.