Rain, snowfall forecasted for upper and western parts from Dec 20 to 22

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain and snowfall in the upper and western parts of the country from December 20 to 22, 24NewsHD TV reported on Wednesday. 

According to the Met Office, a new weather system is expected to affect several regions of the country.

A westerly weather system is likely to enter Balochistan on December 19.

Under its influence, rain and snowfall are likely to begin in the upper areas on December 20.

In Balochistan, districts including Chagai, Kharan, and Kalat are expected to receive rain accompanied by strong winds, while snowfall is likely over mountainous areas.

The upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Mansehra, and surrounding areas, are forecast to experience rain accompanied by moderate to heavy snowfall.

The Met Office has also predicted rain with strong winds and thunder in Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, and Dera Ismail Khan.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, districts including Diamer, Astore, and Skardu are likely to receive rain and snowfall, with heavy snowfall expected at isolated locations.

Similarly, rain and snowfall are forecast for Azad Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Rawalakot.

Islamabad and Rawalpindi are expected to receive rain with thunder between December 20 and 21, while Galiyat and Murree may witness rain and snowfall accompanied by strong winds.

In central Punjab, partly cloudy weather with chances of drizzle is expected during the period.

The Met Office has warned of possible road closures in Naran, Kaghan, Swat, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir due to snowfall.

It also cautioned about the risk of landslides and avalanches in mountainous areas and advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautionary measures.