Islamabad (Web Desk): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted a significant change in weather patterns across the country, as a frontal system is expected to bring rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall from February 19 to 21.
This will mark the end of a prolonged dry spell. The system is likely to affect northern regions starting on February 19 and will continue until February 21.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms, coupled with snowfall, are forecasted for areas like Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche, and Shigar, as well as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur between February 19 and 20.
Similar weather is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Bannu, Karak, and Kohat during the same period.
In Islamabad and Punjab, rain and thunderstorms are likely to occur, with snowfall expected in Murree and Galliyat between February 19 and 21.
Furthermore, areas including Islamabad, Potohar, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Khushab, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh will experience rain from February 19 to 20.
Light rain is also anticipated 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 higher elevations, are expected in areas such as Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Chagai, Nushki, Harnai, Zhob, and Musakhel from February 18 to 19.
On the other hand, the majority of Sindh will remain dry, although gusty winds are expected in coastal regions.
The PMD has issued warnings regarding possible disruptions, including road closures and slippery conditions in hilly areas like Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, and Neelum Valley from February 19 to 21.
Hailstorms are also predicted in isolated areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Kashmir during the night of February 19 and into the early hours of February 20.
There is a risk of landslides and avalanches in the mountainous regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, and Galliyat.
Authorities have urged tourists to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel to these affected areas.
While the forecasted rain is expected to be beneficial for crops, particularly in the Barani regions of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the public is advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions, especially in the high-altitude areas, to prevent any accidents or inconveniences.
