Met Office warns of rain, colder days ahead
Fresh snowfall transforms Quetta’s rugged terrain into a stark winter vista, with travellers moving along a snow-lined road. Photo: NNI
As the upper parts of the country to reel under harsh weather conditions, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday forecast rain and snowfall in several parts of the country and warned of a sharp increase in cold conditions over the coming days.
According to the alert, rain and snowfall are expected on January 30 and 31 in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The Met Office said that from February 1 to 3, a further intensification of cold weather is likely across most parts of the country.
The PMD said rain is expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Noshki and Chaman, while snowfall is likely in surrounding mountainous areas. It also warned of severe cold and heavy snowfall in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The department cautioned that snowfall could make roads slippery and increase the risk of landslides in hilly regions. Travellers heading to upper areas were advised to take precautionary measures.
The PMD further warned that cold weather could lead to increased fog and reduced visibility, and directed relevant departments to remain on high alert to respond to any emergency situation.