ISLAMABAD: The Meteorological Department has warned that normal life is likely to be affected due to heavy rain and snowfall in the upper parts of the country tonight and on January 23.
Road closures, slippage and traffic disruptions are expected in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galiyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli and Rawalakot.
According to the Meteorological Department, as a result of heavy rain and snowfall, local rivers and streams in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are likely to overflow, while there is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in the hilly areas. During this time, tourists have been advised to be cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.
On Thursday, intermittent rain with strong winds and thunderstorms is expected at most places in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad and upper and central Punjab, while snowfall is expected in the mountains.
Moderate to heavy rain and snowfall may also occur at some places in the upper areas. Meanwhile, rain with strong winds and thunderstorms is expected at a few places in South Punjab, Sindh and North and North-East Balochistan.
On Friday, there is a possibility of rain with strong winds and thunderstorms and snowfall in the mountains in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad and upper Punjab, while the weather is expected to remain cold and dry in other parts of the country.
During the last 24 hours, rain with strong winds and thunderstorms and snowfall in the mountains were recorded in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh. The highest rainfall was recorded in Parachinar at 88 mm.
In Punjab, Karor (Leh) received 10 mm of rain, Bhakkar 9 mm and DG Khan 6 mm. In Balochistan, Zhob received 10 mm of rain and in Sindh, Jacobabad and Sukkur received 10 mm of rain. During this time, Parachinar, Quetta and Kalat also received up to two inches of snowfall.
According to the minimum temperatures recorded today, Leh recorded minus 11, Gopis, Skardu, Bagroot and Parachinar minus 5, Kalam minus 4 and Malam Jabba minus 3 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department and related agencies have directed citizens and travelers to take precautionary measures and implement alerts in view of the weather situation.
