NDMA issues advisory as rain and snowfall expected this week

WEB DESK: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather advisory today, warning of potential disruptions due to snowfall and rain expected to impact several regions of Pakistan. The advisory covers the period from today until December 14 (Thursday), with significant weather changes anticipated across the country.

According to the NDMA’s announcement, a westerly wind system is expected to affect northern and western parts of Pakistan, resulting in a mix of rain and snowfall in various regions. The areas likely to be impacted include Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kohistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and Balochistan.

The weather conditions are expected to bring a sharp increase in fog and smog, particularly in the plains, with light to moderate rain forecast for the lowlands and snowfall in the mountainous areas. This weather pattern could disrupt travel and daily activities, especially in the affected northern and western regions.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also issued a detailed forecast for the day, highlighting cold and partly cloudy weather conditions in most parts of the country on Sunday. The forecast also warns of extreme cold temperatures in the hilly areas, particularly during the morning and night hours.

DETAILED FORECAST BY PMD

Going region by region, the federal capital Islamabad and its surrounding areas will see cold and partly cloudy weather, with temperatures expected to dip in the morning and evening.

Punjab will experience cold and partly cloudy weather, with light rain expected in Murree, Galiyat, and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, cities like Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, and Multan are expected to see smog, with moderate to heavy fog likely in the early morning and late evening hours.

Most districts in Sindh will remain dry, though cold weather will persist in the morning and night. Light fog is expected in the morning and night in areas such as Sukkur, Shikarpur, and Larkana.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the weather will be cold and partly cloudy in most districts of KP. Rain and light snowfall are likely in the mountainous areas of Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Kohistan. Fog is expected in Peshawar, Mardan, and nearby areas, especially in the morning and night.

Cold and partly cloudy weather is predicted for most districts of Balochistan. Extremely cold conditions are expected in the northern parts of the province during the early morning and evening hours.

In Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan cold and partly cloudy conditions are predicted, with light rain and snowfall likely in the mountainous areas.

As the westerly winds push through northern and western Pakistan, the NDMA urges preparedness, especially for those traveling in or near the affected areas. The intensity of fog is expected to increase, which could lead to reduced visibility and travel disruptions. Citizens have been advised to exercise caution while traveling, particularly in the early hours of the morning and late evening when fog is likely to be most dense.

PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES

The NDMA advisory has urged residents in the affected areas to stay informed of the latest weather updates, ensure their homes are adequately insulated, and take extra precautions against the cold, especially in mountainous and northern areas where temperatures are expected to plummet.

Given the anticipated conditions, travelers are advised to check road conditions before setting out and avoid traveling during periods of heavy fog and snow.