Islamabad (Agencies): The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall over hills across various regions of the country on Thursday, with authorities urging caution for travelers and tourists.
Heavy rain and snowfall are expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and upper and central Punjab, with the possibility of isolated hailstorms. In Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli, road closures and slippery conditions may occur from tonight until February 28. Landslides are also possible in hilly areas, prompting warnings for travelers.
Islamabad and surrounding regions are likely to witness intermittent rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with heavy rainfall and potential hailstorms at night. In Punjab, cities including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Gujrat, Chakwal, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Lahore may experience thunderstorms and heavy snowfall in Murree and Galliyat.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to see widespread rain and thunderstorms with snowfall over the hills, affecting Dir, Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, and Kohat. Some areas may experience heavy snowfall and hailstorms.
Sindh is forecast to have mostly dry weather, with partly cloudy skies in upper districts, while some areas may receive light rain or drizzle. Meanwhile, in Balochistan, Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, and nearby regions are expected to receive rain and thunderstorms, with snowfall over hills. Most districts will remain cold and partly cloudy.
Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are predicted to witness continuous rain and thunderstorms, with heavy snowfall at higher elevations in Muzaffarabad, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, and Neelum Valley.
Significant rainfall in the past 24 hours was recorded in Garhidupatta (71mm), Dir Upper (52mm), Balakot (48mm), Kalam (46mm), Skardu (25mm), and Murree (28mm). Snowfall was recorded at Kalam (16 inches), Skardu (11 inches), Malam Jabba and Chitral (8 inches), and Astore (5 inches). The lowest temperatures recorded included Parachinar (-5°C), Leh (-3°C), Gupis (-2°C), and Skardu and Kalam (-1°C).
Authorities have advised citizens, especially tourists, to stay updated on weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel in areas experiencing heavy snowfall or rainfall.