Heavy rain, snowfall alert issued for KP and Punjab

ISLAMABAD: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather alert for both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab, warning of increased rainfall, snowfall, and dropping temperatures from January 16 to 23. Citizens and relevant authorities have been urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the public may face significant weather impacts from Jan 16-23, with most districts experiencing rain and snowfall. Road closures, slippery conditions, and landslides in hilly areas may also take place; however, the decision will be based on the ground reality. Snow avalanches are also a potential risk in mountainous regions.

For KP, intermittent light rain is forecasted in the upper districts, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Buner, Mansehra, and Galyat, from Jan 16 to 19. From January 20 to 23, heavy rain and snowfall accompanied by thunderstorms are expected in mountainous areas such as Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, and Galyat. Meanwhile, plain districts including Sawabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, Bannu, and D.I. Khan may also witness thunderstorms and rain, followed by fog and a noticeable drop in temperature.

Authorities have directed all district administrations to ensure drainage systems are functional and emergency services are on standby.

Similarly, people in the Punjab province will also see intermittent rainfall from January 16 to 19, the latest western wind system forecasted. Between January 20 and 23, most districts (such as Lahore, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Multan, and Bahawalpur) are also expected to see rainfall. Hilly areas such as Murree and Galyat may also experience snowfall. PDMA Punjab has alerted local government, health departments, rescue services, police, and transport authorities to remain prepared.

The PDMA advises residents to monitor weather updates closely and exercise caution while travelling, particularly in hilly and low-lying areas prone to flooding and icy conditions.