Authorities on Wednesday issued a weather alert following forecasts of heavy rain and snowfall across the country on January 22 and 23, warning that the spell could trigger flooding in streams and lead to road blockages.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said that rain and heavy snowfall are expected in all provinces and northern regions during the two-day period. In response, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) urged the public to exercise caution amid the adverse weather conditions.
Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galiyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, and Rawalakot are likely to receive heavy rain and snowfall.
In Punjab, intermittent rain and thunderstorms are expected across several cities, including Rawalpindi and Lahore. Islamabad is forecast to remain cloudy with periods of rain, while isolated locations may experience heavy downpours and hailstorms.
Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also expected to see widespread rain and snowfall across major districts. Meanwhile, Sindh is likely to experience cold and cloudy conditions, with rain predicted in cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana.
Given the forecast, the NDMA advised provincial and district administrations to remain vigilant. Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) also called on residents and tourists to take precautionary measures, particularly as heavy rain and snowfall are expected in Murree, Galiyat, and surrounding areas.