ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that a powerful western disturbance is set to enter the country from December 30, bringing intermittent rainfall, thunderstorms, and heavy snowfall across northern and mountainous regions.
Authorities have advised residents to remain alert and follow safety precautions as the system impacts several parts of the country.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Bannu, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, and Tank are forecast to see intermittent rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
Upper regions are expected to witness moderate to heavy snowfall. Officials have warned of slippery or blocked roads in hilly areas, as well as potential landslides and avalanches.
Disaster management departments have been instructed to monitor rivers, streams, and drainage systems and secure public infrastructure.
Punjab will also be impacted. From the evening of December 30 to January 2, Murree and the Galyat region may experience rainfall and snowfall.
Heavy winds, thunderstorms, and rain are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, the Potohar region, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Sargodha, and Mandi Bahauddin. Other districts, including Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, and Sahiwal, may witness lighter rainfall accompanied by strong winds.
In Balochistan, cities including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Turbat, Gwadar, Lasbela, Khuzdar, and surrounding mountainous areas are expected to experience rain, snowfall, and gusty winds through December 31.
Sindh will see light rain or drizzle in Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, Jacobabad, Larkana, Thatta, Badin, and nearby areas.
Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are expected to receive intermittent rain and moderate snowfall between December 30 and January 2, affecting regions such as Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Ghanche, and Kashmir areas including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has emphasized that the western disturbance will intensify on December 30, with effects lasting until January 2 in northern and central regions.
Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel in hilly and mountainous areas, follow safety instructions, and remain alert to changing weather conditions.
