Fresh system likely to bring rain, snow

Pakistan is heading into a new and active winter phase as a fresh westerly weather system prepares to enter the country, bringing widespread rain, thunderstorms and snowfall across large parts of the north and plains over the coming days.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a shallow westerly wave is likely to approach the upper parts of the country from the evening of January 16 and persist until January 19.

The system is expected to intensify from January 20 onwards, extending its grip over most regions of the country from January 21.

The Met Office has warned that heavy snowfall may lead to slippery conditions and possible road closures in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, the Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai and Zhob from the night of January 21 to January 23. There is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in the hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.

Tourists have been advised to remain extremely cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.

The department noted that fog conditions over Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh are likely to ease during the wet spell, while daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly across many regions.

The Met Office said it will continue to monitor the system and issue updates as the situation develops.