The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather warning, predicting that westerly winds will enter the country from Saturday, bringing widespread rain and snowfall.
According to the department, from January 18 to 20, areas of Balochistan such as Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Chagai, Nushki, Kalat and Kech are expected to experience intermittent rain and snowfall in the mountainous regions. , accompanied by strong winds.
Similarly, Barakhan, Khuzdar, Hernai, Zhob, Musa Khel, Kharan, Panjgur and Gwadar will witness moderate rain, strong winds and snow in the mountains during the same period.
The Meteorological Department reported that from January 18 to 21, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience strong winds and intermittent rain in areas such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai and Kurram , with the possibility of snowfall in the mountainous regions.
Also, areas like Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Karak, Kohat, Murree, Galiyat, Gilgit-Baltistan (including Diamer, Astor, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar) and Kashmir (including Neelum) Valley , Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sadhnoti, Kotli, It is expected that Bhimber and Mirpur) experience moderate rain with snow in the mountains and strong winds.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal will witness strong winds and light rain on January 18 and 19, the meteorological department added.
The statement said flash floods are expected in Chagai, Nushki, Kharan, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah and Quetta on the night of January 18 and the morning of January 19 due to moderate rainfall.
The met office warned that snowfall in areas such as Naran, Kaghan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astor, Hunza, Skardu and Neelum Valley could lead to road closures and disruptions in traffic flow as that the roads be closed. Slippery conditions are also expected in regions such as Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah and Qilla. Saifullah.
There is also a significant risk of landslides and avalanches in the mountainous areas of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the statement added.
Authorities have advised tourists heading to northern regions and mountainous areas to be cautious and follow safety guidelines, while farmers have been urged to adjust their activities according to the weather forecast to avoid possible damage to crops and property.
The PMD has asked citizens to stay updated on weather warnings and take necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to flooding and snowfall.
