Met Department issues alert as rain, snowfall expected in upper regions

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday issued a weather alert forecasting rain and snowfall in upper parts of the country due to the influence of cold westerly winds.

According to the PMD, most upper regions are currently under the grip of cold westerly weather conditions. Light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is expected in the Pothohar region, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, during the next two to five hours.

Similar weather conditions are also likely in Taxila, Chakwal, Attock, Jhelum, Tala Gang and surrounding areas. Snowfall is expected in mountainous regions.

The Met Office said light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is also forecast for several districts of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Shangla and Kohistan. Rain is also expected in Abbottabad, Mansehra, Mohmand, Khyber, Bajaur, Bannu, Kohat, Karak, Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda and Mardan.

Intermittent rain and snowfall is likely in Murree, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during this period.

The PMD warned of possible road closures in mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir due to rain and snowfall. There is also a risk of traffic disruption caused by landslides, while avalanches may occur in high-altitude areas.

Tourists have been advised to exercise caution during rain and snowfall and to avoid unnecessary travel in affected regions.