Spell of rain, snowfall likely from Saturday

A new spell of rains, hailstorms, and snowfall has entered the country and will impact the weather from Jan 28 (Saturday), 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Friday.  

According to the Met Office, rains and snowfall will continue from Saturday to Sunday. The chilly winds, which will lead to showers, will enter from the western regions of the country. 

As a result, most parts of the country would experience heavy showers including the hill stations of Murree, Galiyat, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Chitral, Dir, Swat, Mansehra, Haripur, Abbottabad, and Kohistan.

Several cities in plain areas of Balochistan and Punjab will also experience showers.  Areas at a higher altitude are likely to get heavy snowfall on the weekend.

The cold westerly winds are also likely to lower temperatures in Sindh, including the coastal city of Karachi. In addition to the rain forecast, the department warned about the rising risk of landslides in mountainous areas.

The PDMA has also issued instructions to the concerned agencies to take measures in this regard. According to the circular issued by PDMA, it has been informed that snowfall and landslides in the upper districts may cause obstructions in the connecting roads. There will be chances of road blockage in Malakand and Hazara Division areas due to snowfall. 

It also directed district administration of the upper districts to ensure the availability of small and heavy machinery for clearance of the roads. 

Light rains are also forecast for the next three days in the central and southern regions of the province, PDMA said adding tourists should be informed about the weather situation. 

The department has instructed all authorities concerned to remain be on alert and take necessary precautions.

In light of the potential hazards, residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed of weather updates and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their valuables.

Meanwhile, the residents of Neelum Valley are facing problems due to the snow-laden roads that have marred their movement badly. 

According to the sources, the snow has stopped in the Neelum valley of Azad Jammu Kashmir and the road department has started the work to restore the main highway from Kiel to Tao Butt valleys. The department also started restoring the main highway of Grace Valley and the Jagran Valley. 

However, people residing in upper areas including Sargun, Shontar and Leswa- sub- valleys of Neelum Valley are suffering due to the closed roads. At least three weeks are required to restore the roads completely. 

Reporters: Ashfaq Abbasi, Aamir Shahzad