ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall in the upper regions of the country from February 19 to 21, signaling the end of a prolonged dry spell.
According to the Met Office, a frontal weather system is expected to enter the northern parts of the country on February 19 and remain active until February 21.
The forecasted weather includes rain and thunderstorms, with heavy snowfall in regions such as Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur between February 19-20.
Similar weather patterns are anticipated in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Bannu, Karak, and Kohat on February 19-20. In Punjab and Islamabad, rain and thunderstorms, along with snowfall in Murree and Galliyat, are expected between February 19-21.
Rain is forecasted in Islamabad, Potohar, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Khushab, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh on February 19-20. Light rain is also expected in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Taunsa Sharif, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara, and Bahawalnagar on February 19.
In Balochistan, rain and thunderstorms with snowfall over hills are expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Chagai, Nushki, Harnai, Zhob, and Musakhel from February 18-19.
Most parts of Sindh are expected to experience dry weather, although gusty winds are likely along coastal areas.
The Met Office has issued a warning of potential disruptions due to heavy snowfall, which could lead to road closures and slippery conditions in areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, and Neelum Valley between February 19-21.
Hailstorms may also occur in isolated parts of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Kashmir on the night of February 19 and into early February 20.
Authorities have also cautioned of the possibility of landslides and avalanches in hilly areas, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, and Galliyat.
Tourists have been advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel in the affected regions.
The rainfall is expected to benefit standing crops, especially in the Barani areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent any potential hazards, particularly in the hilly regions.
