Islamabad, January 27, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert, predicting snowfall in the upper regions of the country.
The Met office forecasts rain with snowfall over the hills in the upper parts of Pakistan during the upcoming days, with occasional breaks. Dense foggy conditions are also anticipated to weaken in certain areas.
Gilgit Baltistan/Kashmir: From the night of January 27th to January 31st, light to moderate rain, accompanied by snowfall over the hills, is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar) and Kashmir (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur).
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Similarly, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Manshera, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Bunner, Karak, Peshawar, Charsada, Nowshera, Swabi, Buner, Bajaur, Kurram, Waziristan, Bannu, and Kohat, light to moderate rain is expected, along with snowfall over the hills, from January 27th to January 31st, with occasional breaks.
Punjab/Islamabad: In the Punjab region and Islamabad, light to moderate rain is anticipated from the night of January 27th to January 31st. Murree and Galliyat will experience light to moderate rain, accompanied by snowfall over hills during this period, with occasional breaks. Meanwhile, in Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, and Sargodha, there will be light to moderate rain, along with snowfall over hills on January 30th and 31st. Cold, dry, and foggy conditions are expected during the night and morning hours elsewhere in the province.
Balochistan: Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chamman, Barkhan, and the Makran coast, can expect light to moderate rain, coupled with snowfall over the hills, on January 28th and 29th, with occasional breaks.
Sindh: Most parts of Sindh will experience cold and dry weather, with shallow to moderate foggy conditions in upper Sindh.
Possible Impacts and Advisories: The anticipated snowfall may lead to road disruptions in areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli during the forecast period. Tourists are advised to remain cautious during this spell.
The rain is expected to be beneficial for standing crops in Barani areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Residents and travelers are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and take necessary precautions during this period of forecasted precipitation.