ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to receive much-needed rainfall and snowfall this weekend, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said.
A shallow western disturbance entered the western parts of the country on Friday, bringing the possibility of rain and snow across several provinces.
The Met Office has predicted light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in the plains, while snowfall is expected in hilly areas from December 13 to 15. This weather system is likely to provide relief to regions experiencing unusually dry conditions during what is normally a wetter season.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Upper Region)
Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Buner are expected to see light to moderate rain and thunderstorms, along with snowfall in hilly areas, from December 13 to 15, with occasional breaks.
Gilgit-Baltistan
Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar are expected to experience similar weather during this period.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Regions including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, and Haveli are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall and snowfall over the hills between December 13 and 15, with intermittent gaps.
Merged Districts / KP (Southern Belt)
Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, and Waziristan are expected to have partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with light rain and snowfall on December 14 and 15.
Balochistan
Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, and Noshki are forecast to see light rain and snowfall during the same period.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi & Upper Punjab
There are chances of drizzle in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and the Potohar region, while Murree and Galiyat are likely to receive light rain and light snowfall on Sunday and Monday.
Fog Advisory
From the night of December 12 through December 16, moderate to dense fog is expected in plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh.
These foggy conditions may reduce visibility significantly and cause disruptions on motorways and highways. The public is advised to remain cautious during this period.
Next Weather System
The Met Office has said another western disturbance is likely to affect the western and upper parts of the country from December 19.
Advisory for tourists
Snowfall may lead to road closures and slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Quetta, Ziarat, and Chaman during the forecast period.
There is also a risk of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Tourists and travelers heading to mountainous regions are strongly advised to stay cautious.