The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall in several parts of the country over the coming days as a strong westerly weather system moves in.
According to the PMD, the system has already entered the country and is expected to persist until January 19. Its intensity is likely to increase from January 20, with widespread effects expected across most regions from January 21 onward.
Up to January 19, intermittent rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Light to moderate snowfall is also likely in mountainous areas during this period.
The Met Office said that rain and snowfall are expected in Murree, Galiyat, and nearby areas from January 18 to 20. From January 20 to 23, rain is forecast for Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Islamabad, Murree, Galiyat, the Potohar region, and several districts across Punjab, including Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sahiwal, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions.
Intermittent rain with gusty winds and thunderstorms is also expected in most parts of Peshawar, Hazara, Malakand, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan divisions.
From the night of January 20 through January 23, heavy snowfall is likely in Murree, Galiyat, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, and Rawalakot.
Rain with gusty winds and thunderstorms is expected in most parts of Balochistan on January 21 and 22, and in Sindh on January 22 and 23. During the same period, moderate to heavy snowfall is forecast for Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai, and Zhob.
Authorities have advised the public to remain cautious, especially in hilly and mountainous regions, due to the risk of slippery roads, reduced visibility, and possible travel disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions.
