Met Office issues rain, snow warning across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning for rain and snow across several parts of the country, saying western winds will affect northern regions from tomorrow evening.

It said that river and stream levels are expected to rise on January 22 and 23.

According to the PMD, most areas are likely to experience cold weather with partly cloudy skies. Islamabad, Murree, the Galiyat region, and the Potohar area are expected to remain partly cloudy.

Fog is likely in Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Mianwali, Layyah, Bhakkar, Noorpur Thal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Shorkot, Multan, Kot Addu, Bahawalnagar, Khanpur, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.

Rain and snow are also expected in some locations of Gilgit-Baltistan, while weather in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Balochistan is forecast to remain cold and dry.

The PDMA Punjab has predicted rainfall across most districts until January 23, with heavy rain and snow expected in Murree, Galiyat, and other hilly areas.

Rain is also likely in Lahore, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions.

Other districts expecting rainfall include Swat, Chitral, Buner, Shangla, Lower and Upper Dir, Malakand, Bajaur, Mardan, Sawabi, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar, Haripur, and Kolai-Palas.

Authorities, including PDMA, DDMA, local administrations, and emergency services, have been instructed to remain fully prepared. The chief meteorologist has advised residents of low-lying areas to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel.