New rain, snowfall spell to hit country

PMD warns of flash floods, landslides, and travel disruptions

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Sunday predicted a new spell of rain across the country this week, with the possibility of hailstorms in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), and Islamabad.

The PMD also forecast snowfall in northern areas, with rain expected in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan from February 25. Karachi is likely to experience mostly cloudy skies, bringing cooler temperatures compared to previous days.

According to the PMD, a westerly weather system is expected to enter Pakistan, bringing rainfall to various regions. Due to the expected rain, the department has warned of flash floods and the risk of landslides in hilly areas.

"The system is expected to enter western Pakistan on the evening of February 24 (today), extend to the upper parts by February 25 (tomorrow), and persist in northern areas until March 2," the PMD stated.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir will witness heavy snowfall and thunderstorms from February 25 to March 2, affecting areas including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, and Poonch.

K-P will experience heavy rain and snowfall in Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Peshawar from the night of February 24 until March 1. Meanwhile, Murree, Galliyat, and surrounding areas will see moderate to heavy snowfall from February 25 to March 1.

Rain and thunderstorms are also forecast for Punjab, affecting Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sialkot. Some southern districts, including Multan and Bahawalpur, will receive rain from February 25 to 27.

Balochistan's Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, and other high-altitude areas will experience snowfall between February 24 and 26. Light rain is also expected in parts of Sindh, including Larkana and Sukkur, on February 25-26.