Fresh Westerly System to Bring Widespread Precipitation
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast predicting more rain and snowfall across various parts of the country from Sunday night through Tuesday. A fresh westerly weather system is expected to enter the western regions tonight, spreading towards northern areas by Monday, intensifying the ongoing cold wave.
Detailed Regional Forecast
According to the Met Office, the following conditions are expected:
- Balochistan & Upper Sindh: Rain, wind, and thunderstorms with scattered snowfall are forecast for Quetta, Ziarat, Gwadar, and over 20 other districts from Sunday night into Monday. Upper Sindh, including Sukkur and Larkana, will see similar conditions on January 26.
- Gilgit-Baltistan & Kashmir: These regions are expected to receive rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall—including a few spells of heavy snow—in areas like Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Neelum Valley, and Muzaffarabad.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree & Galiyat: Districts including Chitral, Swat, Kalam, Peshawar, and Waziristan are likely to experience rain, wind, and snowfall on January 26 and 27.
- Punjab & Islamabad: Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and parts of Punjab including Lahore, Sialkot, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan are also likely to see rain, wind, and thunderstorms with occasional breaks.
Relief Operations Amidst Severe Weather
Severe weather has already disrupted daily life, particularly in upper regions, where roads are blocked and mobility is severely affected due to snow accumulation and harsh cold. In response, the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps (FC) have launched uninterrupted relief operations in affected areas like Tirah.
Security forces have rescued multiple vehicles trapped in heavy snow and shifted them to safer locations. Officers and personnel are actively supervising the distribution of food supplies, blankets, essential items, and emergency medical assistance to affected families. Local residents have praised the prompt and effective support from the security forces during this difficult period.
Persisting Cold Wave Conditions
The new westerly system is set to exacerbate the cold wave currently gripping several regions. The PMD advises citizens, especially in mountainous and northern areas, to take necessary precautions against the severe weather and dropping temperatures.
