Met Office forecasts rain and snow across country

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain and snowfall across various parts of the country from January 31 to February 3, warning that travel could be affected in hilly and northern regions.

According to the PMD, Islamabad, the Pothohar Plateau, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, and surrounding areas are expected to experience light intermittent rain during this period.

It said that hilly regions including Murree, Galiyat, and adjacent areas may see both light rain and snowfall.

According to the PMD, in northern Balochistan, heavy rain and snowfall accompanied by strong winds is expected from January 31 to February 1.

The PMD warned that snowfall in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan and Mansehra could make roads slippery and disrupt traffic.

Other areas at risk of travel disruption due to snow include Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Bagh, and surrounding districts.

Similarly, from January 31 to February 1, roads in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Nushki, Harnai, and Zhob are expected to be slippery.

The PMD also warned of landslides in the mountainous regions of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The PMD has advised tourists to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.

Authorities have urged commuters to follow traffic guidelines and remain alert during the forecast period, particularly in areas prone to snowfall and landslides.