ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is expected to witness a spell of rain and snowfall this weekend, bringing an anticipated end to the unusually dry conditions that have persisted through the early winter months, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
A shallow western disturbance reached the western parts of the country on Friday, setting the stage for widespread precipitation from December 13 to 15. The Met Office said light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is likely across the plains, while hilly regions are forecast to receive snowfall during the system.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, areas including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Manshera, Abbottabad, Haripur and Bunner are expected to receive rain and snowfall with breaks in between. Similar conditions are forecast for districts of Gilgit Baltistan, including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar. Kashmir, particularly Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh and Haveli, is also likely to receive light to moderate precipitation.
Light rain and snowfall are expected in parts of the merged districts, including Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram and Waziristan from December 14 to 15. Balochistan districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah and Noushki may also receive light precipitation.
There are chances of drizzle in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and the Potohar region, while light rain and snowfall may occur in Murree and Galliyat on Sunday and Monday.
The Met Office has warned of moderate and dense fog from the night of December 12 through December 16 across plains of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh, which may disrupt road travel due to low visibility. Authorities have advised motorists to exercise caution during early morning and evening hours.
Another western disturbance is expected to affect the country from December 19, indicating a possible shift away from the prolonged dry weather pattern that has raised concerns about moisture deficits, smog levels and water availability.
Snowfall may lead to road closures and slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Quetta, Ziarat and Chaman. The risk of landslides remains present in vulnerable zones of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan. Tourists travelling to high altitude areas have been advised to remain alert during the active weather period.
Daytime temperatures are expected to fall further, intensifying the winter chill in northern regions. Farmers have been urged to plan irrigation and crop management in line with the latest forecast.
The expected precipitation is likely to offer relief from the prolonged dry spell and help improve water resources in areas dependent on winter rains and snowmelt.
