ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain accompanied by thunderstorms and snowfall in various parts of the country over the coming days.
According to the PMD, a system of westerly winds has entered the country and is expected to persist until January 19. The intensity of this weather system is likely to increase from January 20 and is expected to affect most parts of the country from January 21 onward.
Up to January 19, intermittent rain with strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with light to moderate snowfall in mountainous areas.
The Met Office further stated that rain and snowfall are likely in Murree, Galiyat, and surrounding areas from January 18 to 20. From January 20 to 23, rain is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Islamabad, Murree, Galiyat, the Potohar region, and districts of Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sahiwal, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions.
Intermittent rain with gusty winds and thunderstorms has also been forecast for most places in Peshawar, Hazara, Malakand, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan divisions.
From the night of January 20 to January 23, heavy snowfall is expected in Murree, Galiyat, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, and Rawalakot.
Meanwhile, rain with gusty winds and thunderstorms is likely in most parts of Balochistan on January 21 and 22, and in Sindh on January 22 and 23. During this period, moderate to heavy snowfall is expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai, and Zhob.
Authorities have advised citizens to remain cautious, particularly in hilly areas, due to the risk of slippery roads, reduced visibility, and possible disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions.