A strong western weather system is set to enter the western parts of Pakistan today, bringing widespread rain, snowfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, and fog, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Monday.
According to the PMD, the system is expected to intensify from tomorrow and affect upper and central regions of the country until December 31, while its impact on northern areas may persist until the morning of January 2.
Most parts of the country will remain cold and dry today; however, upper regions are likely to experience partly to fully cloudy conditions. Rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms is expected in western and northern areas, with snowfall over mountainous regions.
In Balochistan, rain and snowfall are forecast for Quetta and surrounding districts, while other parts of the province may experience rain with strong winds. Light drizzle is expected tomorrow in parts of Sindh, including Karachi and nearby cities. Meanwhile, fog intensity is likely to decrease over the plains of Punjab and upper Sindh.
From tomorrow through January 1, rain and snowfall are expected across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with moderate to heavy snowfall in upper areas. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are also likely to receive rain and heavy snowfall from tomorrow until the morning of January 2.
Rain and snowfall are forecast for Islamabad, the Potohar region, Murree, Galiyat, and several cities across Punjab on December 31 and January 1.
The PMD has warned that heavy snowfall could lead to road closures in upper and mountainous regions, along with an increased risk of landslides and avalanches. Dense fog has already disrupted traffic, causing the closure of several motorway sections, including parts of the M-2, M-3, M-4, and M-11.
Citizens and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautionary measures during the spell of adverse weather.
