The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather warning, predicting that westerly winds will enter the country from Saturday, bringing with them widespread rainfall and snowfall.
According to the department, from January 18 to 20, areas of Balochistan such as Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Chagai, Nushki, Kalat and Kech are expected to experience intermittent rain and snowfall in the areas. mountainous. , accompanied by strong winds.
Similarly, Barakhan, Khuzdar, Hernai, Zhob, Musa Khel, Kharan, Panjgur and Gwadar will experience moderate rains, strong winds and snow in the mountains during the same period.
The Meteorological Department reported that from January 18 to 21, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience strong winds and intermittent rains in areas such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber , Orakzai and Kurram, with possibility of snowfall in mountainous areas.
In addition, regions like Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Karak, Kohat, Murree, Galiyat, Gilgit-Baltistan (including Diamer, Astor, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar) and Kashmir (including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sadhnoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur) are expected to experience moderate rainfall with snow in the mountains and strong winds.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal will experience strong winds and light rains on January 18 and 19, the meteorological department added.
The statement said flash floods are expected in Chagai, Nushki, Kharan, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah and Quetta on the night of January 18 and morning of January 19 due to moderate rainfall.
The Met Office has warned that snowfall in areas like Naran, Kaghan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astor, Hunza, Skardu and Neelum Valley could lead to road closures and traffic disruptions. traffic. and slippery conditions are also expected in areas such as Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah and Qilla Saifullah.
There is also a significant risk of landslides and avalanches in the mountainous areas of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the statement added.
Authorities have advised tourists heading to northern regions and hilly areas to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines, while farmers have been urged to adjust their activities based on weather forecasts to avoid possible damage to crops and goods.
The PMD asked citizens to stay informed of weather warnings and take necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to flooding and snowfall.