ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread rain and snowfall across several parts of the country from Sunday night through Tuesday, as a fresh westerly weather system is set to enter the western regions.
According to the Met Office, the system will move towards northern areas by Monday, bringing rain, strong winds and thunderstorms, while snowfall is expected in hilly and mountainous regions. A cold wave continues to prevail in many areas, further intensifying winter conditions.
Rainfall is likely in Islamabad, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree and the Galiyat, with snowfall forecast in elevated areas.
In Balochistan, rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms, along with snowfall at isolated locations, are expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai, Zhob, Kalat, Barkhan, Sibi, Loralai, Turbat, Gwadar, Jiwani, Kech, Awaran, Chaghi, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Washuk and Kharan from Sunday night through Monday.
Upper Sindh districts, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Dadu, are also likely to experience similar weather conditions on January 26.
The PMD has warned of rain, wind and thunderstorms with snowfall — including occasional heavy spells — in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar districts, as well as in Azad Kashmir’s Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Rawalakot and Haveli.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Buner, Peshawar, Nowshera, Swabi, Malakand, Mardan, Kohat, Kurram, Khyber, Hangu, Bajaur, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan are expected to receive rain and snowfall on January 26 and 27. Murree and the Galiyat are also included in the advisory.
Meanwhile, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several areas of Punjab — including Chakwal, Attock, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujrat, Sargodha, Mianwali, Gujranwala, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar and Dera Ghazi Khan — may witness rain and thunderstorms with intermittent breaks.
Relief operations underway
Adverse weather conditions have significantly disrupted daily life, particularly in upper regions of the country, where heavy snowfall and extreme cold have blocked roads and restricted movement.
In response, the Pakistan Army, along with the Frontier Corps (FC), has intensified relief efforts in affected areas, including Tirah. Several vehicles stranded in deep snow have been rescued and relocated to safer areas.
Army and FC personnel are overseeing operations on the ground, providing food supplies, blankets, essential items and emergency medical aid to affected families. Residents have expressed appreciation for the timely assistance and continued support during the harsh weather spell.
