Rain and snow forecast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and provincial disaster management agencies have issued warnings for rain and snow in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab over the coming days.

According to the PMD, cloudy weather with light rain and snowfall in upper districts of KP is expected from Saturday through Tuesday.

A new western weather system is forecast to affect the region from 31 January to 3 February.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) KP has warned of rain and snow in upper districts including Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra, Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Battagram, Shangla, Upper and Lower Kohistan, and Kolai-Palas.

Intermittent rain is also expected in the plains, including Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, North and South Waziristan, Lakki Marwat, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan.

Authorities have urged district administrations and relevant departments to remain alert and take precautionary measures.

Snowfall in upper regions may cause a drop in temperature, while rain and snow could lead to road closures and slippery conditions in tourist areas such as Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, and Chitral.

Similarly, PDMA Punjab has issued alerts for rain and snowfall in the province’s upper regions from 1 to 3 February.

Snow and rain are expected in Murree, Galyat, and surrounding areas, while the Potohar region, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, and Gujranwala may experience rainfall.

Local authorities, including health departments, Rescue 1122, police, and transport departments, have been instructed to remain on high alert. Punjab Chief Minister’s directives have emphasized readiness across all relevant agencies.

DG PDMA Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, said that emergency control rooms will remain staffed 24 hours a day, and tourists in Murree should follow safety guidelines.

Facilitation centres have been established at various points in Murree to assist visitors.

He urged drivers to avoid speeding and sudden braking and advised the public to follow issued precautions.

Citizens can contact PDMA helpline 1129 for emergencies or helpline 1700 for information and updates.