The Department of Meteorology of Pakistan (PMD) has predicted generalized rain, thunderstorms and strong snowfall in several regions as a strong west meteorological system progresses.
The system is expected to enter the west of Pakistan on the night of February 24, which extends to the upper parties before February 25 and persists in the northern areas until March 2.
According to the PMD, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmiro will witness strong snowfalls and thunderstorms from February 25 to March 2. The affected areas include Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad and Poonch.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience heavy rains and snowfall in Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Peshawar, among others, from the night of February 24 to March 1. Meanwhile, Murree, Galliyat and its surroundings will see moderate to strong snowfall from February 25 to February 25 to March 1.
The rain and thunderstorms are also forecast for Punjab, with Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Sialkot among the affected cities. Some southern districts, including fine and bahawalpur, will receive rain from February 25 to 27.
Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman and other areas of great altitude of Balochistan will see snowfall between February 24 and 26. Light rain is also expected in parts of Sindh, including Larkana and Sukkur, from February 25 to 26.
The PMD warned about travel interruptions in Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan and parts of KP and Gilgit-Baltist due to strong snowfall. Sudden floods could affect vulnerable areas in KP and Kashmir between February 25 and March 1. Earth landslides are also a risk in mountainous regions.
Authorities have been advised to remain on a maximum alert, while tourists are urged to avoid unnecessary trips. The PMD said the rain will be beneficial for foot crops, particularly in the areas of Barani (fed with rain) of Punjab and KP.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Provincial Disaster Management authorities (PDMA) has been aimed at implementing security measures to avoid adverse incidents.
