Widespread rain, snowfall forecast across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Meteorological Department has predicted rain and snowfall with thunderstorms in different parts of the country.

According to the Meteorological Department, a westerly wind system has entered the country and will continue till January 19 and the intensity of the system is expected to increase from January 20, which will engulf most parts of the country from January 21.

There is a possibility of rain and snowfall in Balochistan next week. According to the Meteorological Department, a new westerly wind system will enter Balochistan on January 19. Rain and hail are expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin and Qila Abdullah.

There is a possibility of snowfall in Quetta and Ziarat from January 21 to 23. There is a possibility of a drop in temperature in north and central Balochistan. There is a risk of slippery roads in Zhob, Harnai, Loralai and Qila Saifullah. Rain is expected in Khuzdar, Panjgur, Kech, Gwadar and Lasbela.

Intermittent rain with strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa till January 19.

According to the Meteorological Department, rain and snowfall are likely in Murree, Galiat and its surrounding areas from January 18 to 20. Rain is likely in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Islamabad, Murree, Galiat, Potohar region, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sahiwal, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur divisions from January 20 to 23.

Intermittent rain with strong winds and thunderstorms has been predicted at most places in the districts of Peshawar, Hazara, Malakand, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan divisions.

Heavy snowfall is expected in Murree, Galiat, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli and Rawalakot during the night of January 20 to January 23.

Intermittent rain with strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in most parts of Balochistan on January 21 and 22 and in most parts of Sindh on January 22 and 23. During this period, moderate to heavy snowfall is likely in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai and Zhob.

Instructions have been issued to the PDMA and related agencies to remain alert.