Cold wave intensifies nationwide as Met Office warns of freezing temperatures

ISLAMABAD: A fresh westerly weather system has spread across the country, triggering snowfall in upper regions and rainfall in the plains, with the Meteorological Department warning of a sharp drop in temperatures and a more intense spell of cold in the days ahead.

Meteorological Department Director General Mehr Sahibzada Khan said a series of westerly winds was affecting both northern areas and low-lying regions, bringing snow to higher altitudes and rain to parts of the plains, including the federal capital.

In an interview with Samaa TV, he said the rainfall was expected to ease dense fog in several plain areas, improving visibility. However, he cautioned that the overall cold would intensify as temperatures continue to fall across the country.

According to the Met Office, temperatures in Islamabad could drop to around the freezing point, while another system bringing rain and snowfall is likely to enter the country within the next few days.

In Balochistan, snowfall has been reported from several areas, including Ziarat, Kan Mehtarzai, Chaman, Qila Abdullah and Qila Saifullah. Intermittent snowfall has also continued in Quetta, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority said.

PDMA Director General Jahanzeb Khan said rescue teams and heavy machinery had been deployed in snow and rain-affected areas, with clearance operations under way on highways disrupted by snowfall.

He said work was ongoing to restore traffic on the national highway in Muslim Bagh, where landslides occurred due to rain and snow, adding that relief materials had already been dispatched to vulnerable areas as a precaution.

The PDMA has cancelled leave for all officers and staff across Balochistan, directing them to remain on duty as the situation continues to evolve. Officials said the weather conditions were being monitored continuously and that the authority remained fully prepared to respond to any emergency arising from the ongoing cold spell.