Authorities warn that the current weather system may trigger flash floods in local waterways in upper KP, GB and AJK.
The mercury fell further in Lahore after the first winter rains of the season on Thursday, with intermittent downpours and a cold breeze, while weather authorities issued a red alert for heavy rain and snowfall in the north of the country.
Rains started in several areas of Lahore including Johar Town, Jail Road, Mall Road, Shadman, Qurtaba Chowk and near the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Light showers and drizzle were also reported in the township and Green Town, while the city remained overcast with gusty winds, intensifying the winter chill.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that heavy rain and snowfall may lead to road closures and slippery conditions in mountainous areas including Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat and parts of Azad Kashmir including Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli and Rawalakot.
Authorities have warned that the current weather system may trigger flash floods in local rivers and nullahs of upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The risk of landslides and avalanches remains high in many regions. Tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise extreme caution.
According to the PMD, a strong westerly wave is affecting most parts of the country and is expected to persist in upper regions. Widespread intermittent rain, wind and thunderstorms – with snowfall on hills – are forecast for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad and upper and central Punjab. Moderate to heavy rain and snow may occur at higher elevations.
Cold and dry weather is expected to prevail in other parts of the country.
During the last 24 hours, scattered rains and thunderstorms were recorded in KP, Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh. Heavy rainfall was reported from Parachinar (88 mm), Jacobabad and Sukkur (10 mm each), Khuzdar (12 mm) and Bhakkar (9 mm). Snowfall of up to two inches was recorded in Kalam, Quetta and Parachinar.
The coldest temperatures recorded included minus 11 degrees Celsius in Leh, minus 5 degrees in Gupis, Skardu, Bagrote and Parachinar and minus 4 degrees in Kalam.
