PDMA issues rain, snowfall alert for upper Punjab until Feb 3

Light rain, snowfall expected in G-B, upper K-P, northern Balochistan, Kashmir

ISLAMABAD:

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued an alert warning of rain and snowfall in the upper parts of the province from Friday (today) until February 3.

According to the PDMA, rain and snowfall are expected in Murree, Galiyat and surrounding areas. Rain is also forecast for the Potohar region, including Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat and Gujranwala.

Meanwhile, partly cloudy conditions are expected in central districts, with light drizzle possible after noon at a few locations in and around Multan, Jhang, Sargodha and Faisalabad.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had warned on Saturday that a new weather system bringing rain was set to enter Punjab last night. The system is expected to affect districts including Rawalpindi, Sargodha, and Faisalabad, with a likely drop in temperatures across the province.

The system is forecast to influence weather conditions in various parts of the country until February 3. In Lahore, the minimum temperature is expected at 9°C, with a maximum of 21°C.

Read: New rain system to enter Punjab tonight, colder weather likely

PMD warned that from February 1 to 3, cold conditions will intensify across most regions.

The PDMA said all relevant departments have been placed on alert in line with the directions of the Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has instructed that staff at emergency control rooms remain on duty around the clock. He added that the district administration and concerned departments in Murree have been put on high alert in view of the expected snowfall.

Tourists visiting Murree have been advised to take precautionary measures and follow official instructions. Facilitation centres have been set up at various locations in the hill station to assist visitors.

According to the PMD, cold and dry weather expected in most parts of the country on Sunday, while very cold conditions likely to persist in the mountainous regions. However, partly cloudy to overcast skies are forecast for Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and northern Balochistan, with light rain and light snowfall in few areas.

Read more: Met Office warns of rain, colder days ahead

The PMD said cold weather with partly cloudy skies is expected in and around Islamabad. Most districts of Punjab to experience cold and dry conditions.

Most districts of K-P are likely to remain cold and dry, while very cold and partly cloudy conditions are expected in the hilly areas. Light rain and light snowfall may occur at a few places in Chitral, Dir, Kohistan, Kalam, Swat, Kurram and Waziristan.

Most districts of Sindh are expected to experience cold and dry weather. In Balochistan, cold conditions with partly cloudy skies are likely in most areas.

Kashmir is expected to remain very cold and overcast, with the possibility of rain and snowfall. In Gilgit-Baltistan, very cold and cloudy weather is forecast, with light rain and light snowfall expected at a few locations.