The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread rain, thunderstorms and snowfall in various parts of the country from December 20 to 22 due to the arrival of a strong westerly weather system.
According to the National Weather Forecasting Centre, the system will enter Balochistan on December 19 and gradually spread to upper and central regions by December 20, affecting much of the country. The forecast comes as most parts of Pakistan are currently experiencing cold and dry weather, causing discomfort for citizens, especially during early mornings and nights.
Balochistan is expected to receive rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms from the evening of December 19 through December 20, while snowfall is likely in hilly areas including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Zhob, Kalat, Noshki, Khuzdar, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar and surrounding districts.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, intermittent rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms are expected from the night of December 20 to December 22. Moderate snowfall is likely in upper districts such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Abbottabad and Mansehra, while rain is expected in plains including Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are also forecast to receive rain and snowfall with strong winds from December 20 night until December 23 morning. Heavy snowfall may occur at isolated locations including Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Gilgit and Neelum Valley.
Meanwhile, rain with thunderstorms is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and the Pothohar region from the evening of December 20 to December 21. Murree and Galiyat may receive rain and snowfall, raising the risk of landslides, while light rain or drizzle is likely in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan and nearby areas.
The PMD has warned that snowfall may lead to road closures and traffic disruptions in hilly areas, while the risk of landslides and avalanches remains high in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. Tourists and citizens have been advised to take precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary travel during the spell.
