Widespread winter rain is expected in different parts of Pakistan during the coming week, while snowfall is likely in hilly and mountainous areas. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a weak westerly weather system is expected to enter the upper regions of the country on January 16 and remain active until January 19. This system is expected to become stronger on January 20 and affect most parts of Pakistan by January 21.
As a result, rain along with wind and thunderstorms, and light to moderate snowfall in higher areas, is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from January 16 night to January 19, with short breaks. Light rain and snowfall are also expected in Murree and the Galyat region between January 18 and January 20.
From January 20 to January 23, widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected in many areas including Islamabad, Potohar region, Punjab divisions such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and Bahawalpur, as well as several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Heavy snowfall is likely in hilly areas including Swat, Chitral, Murree, Galyat, Neelum Valley and surrounding regions during this period.
Rain and thunderstorms are also expected in different parts of Balochistan on January 21 and 22, while several districts of Sindh, including Karachi and Hyderabad, may receive rain on January 22 and 23. Moderate to heavy snowfall is likely in parts of northern Balochistan during the same period.
Due to heavy snowfall, roads may become slippery or closed in many mountainous areas between January 21 and January 23. There is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in hilly regions of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. Tourists are advised to be very careful and avoid unnecessary travel during this time.
Fog conditions are expected to reduce in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh during the rainy spell, while daytime temperatures are likely to drop noticeably across the country.
