M. Waqar Bhatti
Islamabad: After an extended dry spell, Pakistan is bracing for significant rainfall and heavy snowfall in its western and northern regions as a strong weather system enters the country on January 1, 2025.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms for Islamabad, Karachi, and other areas, with heavy snowfall in the northern hills, which is expected to last until January 6.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi are likely to experience rain with thunderstorms starting January 2, accompanied by heavy snowfall in nearby Murree and Galliyat. PMD has warned of potential road closures and slippery conditions in these hill stations. Dense foggy conditions are expected to develop in the plains after the wet spell, which could disrupt road and air traffic.
Karachi will remain mostly dry, but light rain and thunderstorms are predicted for parts of Sindh, including Dadu, Sukkur, and Jacobabad, on January 3 and 4. The wet conditions may bring temporary relief from the cold, but residents are advised to prepare for a subsequent cold wave gripping the city and surrounding areas.
In the northern regions, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are set to receive heavy snowfall, which could trigger avalanches and landslides in mountainous areas such as Skardu, Hunza, Neelum Valley, and Astore. Travelers and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary journeys to these regions during the forecast period.
Punjab will see moderate rainfall starting from January 2, with areas such as Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sialkot experiencing thunderstorms. The wet conditions are expected to benefit standing crops in the Barani regions of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the PMD has urged farmers to take necessary precautions.
The snowfall in Quetta, Ziarat, and Kalat in Balochistan is expected to create challenging travel conditions, with authorities on high alert to manage potential disruptions.
PMD emphasized that all relevant authorities, including NDMA and provincial disaster management agencies, remain on standby to mitigate the effects of the adverse weather conditions. Citizens have been encouraged to stay updated on forecasts and heed advisories to avoid untoward incidents.