The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert for the upper regions of the country, warning of significant temperature drops, rainfall, and snowfall over the coming days. The alert comes as a westerly wave is expected to enter northern Pakistan on the night of November 3 and persist until November 5.
According to PMD, rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms are likely in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Swabi, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Kurram, Orakzai, Hangu, Kohat, and Galliyat. Parts of Azad Kashmir, such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur, are also expected to experience rainfall.
Similarly, Gilgit-Baltistan districts, including Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, Ghanche, and Shigar, are likely to receive precipitation, with snowfall predicted over mountainous areas. Isolated hailstorms may also occur in some regions.
Other areas expected to be affected include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Jhelum, Sargodha, Khushab, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, and Lahore.
The PMD warned that the wet spell will lead to a significant drop in daytime temperatures, followed by a fall in night temperatures. While the rain may temporarily reduce fog and smog, pollution levels are expected to rise again once the weather clears. Windstorms, hail, and lightning pose a risk to weak or loose structures, prompting safety precautions.
Authorities have issued advisories for different groups. Farmers are urged to plan agricultural activities according to the forecast. Travelers and tourists are advised to schedule trips cautiously, particularly in hilly and mountainous areas. The general public is asked to stay alert for potential disruptions and to follow updates from official authorities to ensure safety during the adverse weather.
