LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority Punjab has issued a weather alert forecasting rain and a further drop in temperatures across most districts of the province over the coming days.
According to the authority, a western weather system is expected to enter Punjab between January 16 and 19. Heavy rain and snowfall are likely in Murree, the Galiyat, and other hilly areas from January 20 to 23, while widespread rainfall is expected across the province during the same period.
Rain has been forecast for the Lahore, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions. The PDMA said alerts have been issued to local government departments, the health department, Rescue 1122, police, and the transport department.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said all relevant agencies have been directed to complete precautionary arrangements in advance, in line with instructions issued by the Punjab chief minister. Emergency control rooms have been instructed to remain operational round the clock, while disaster response teams have been placed on high alert.
The authority advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions. Tourists travelling to Murree have been urged to follow official guidelines, with facilitation centres established at various locations in the hill station to assist visitors.
Motorists have been advised to drive cautiously, avoid speeding and sudden braking, and use fog lights in low-visibility conditions. Citizens were also advised to contact the PDMA helpline at 1129 in case of emergencies.
Meanwhile, dense fog has continued to disrupt road and air travel across Punjab. Reduced visibility was reported on national highways near Lahore, Manga Mandi, Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal, Ahmadpur East, Mian Channu, Khanewal, Multan, Basti Malook, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sadiqabad, affecting traffic flow.
The Motorway Police advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, noting that daytime travel remains relatively safer under current conditions.
Flight operations were also affected at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, where several international flights were cancelled or delayed due to poor visibility. Airport sources said five flights were cancelled, while at least six faced delays, with disruptions expected to continue until weather conditions improve.
The Meteorological Department reported that fog and cold winds affected daily life in Lahore, with wind speed recorded at two kilometres per hour. The department said rain was unlikely on Thursday, while medium to heavy fog is expected in several districts, including Sialkot, Narowal, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan, with haze likely in the Pothohar region during morning hours.
