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The first snowfall and rain of the winter season were recorded in various mountainous areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday.
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan is heading into a new active winter phase as a new westerly weather system prepares to enter the country, bringing widespread rain, thunderstorms and snowfall to large parts of the north and plains over the next few days.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a shallow westerly wave is expected to approach the upper parts of the country from the evening of January 16 and persist until January 19.
The system is expected to intensify from January 20, extending its grip over most parts of the country from January 21.
The Met Office has warned that heavy snowfall may lead to slippery conditions and possible road closures in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla. Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai and Zhob on the night of January 21 to 23. There is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.
Tourists have been advised to remain extremely cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.
The department noted that foggy conditions over Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh are expected to ease during the wet spell, while daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly in many areas.
The Met Office said it would continue to monitor the system and issue updates as the situation develops.
