RAWALPINDI: After a protracted dry spell, rain and snowfall are expected in the upper parts of the country from February 19 to 21.

The Pakistan Meteorology Department (PMD) said a frontal weather system was likely to enter the upper parts of the country on February 19 and persist in the northern areas till February 21. Under the influence of this weather system, rain-wind/thunderstorm with a few heavy snowfalls is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche, Shigar) Kashmir (Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur) from February 19 to 21 with occasional gaps.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain-wind/thunderstorm with few heavy snowfalls over hills are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Bannu, Karak, and Kohat on February 19-21 with occasional gaps.

Similarly, rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall will occur in Murree and Galiyat from February 19 to 21 with occasional gaps.

Rain-wind/thunderstorm is also expected in Islamabad, Potohar, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Khushab, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jahng, and Toba Tek Singh on February 19 to 20.

Light rain-wind/thunderstorm is also expected in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Taunsa Sharif, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara and Bahawalnagar on February 19.

In Balochistan, rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over hills is expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Chagi, Noushki, Harnai, Zhob and Musakhel on February 18 and 19.

It stated that heavy snowfall may cause road closure/ slippery conditions in Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, and Poonch from February 19 to 21 afternoon.

Hailstorm is also expected in isolated places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab and Kashmir during the forecast period. It said that there would be a possibility of landslides/avalanches in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree and Galiyat during the period.

It advised tourists to remain extra cautious and may avoid unnecessary travelling during the period. It stated that the upcoming spell of rain may be beneficial for the standing crops, particularly in barani (rain-fed) areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Met office said that dry weather would prevail in most parts of Sindh during the period. However, gusty winds were expected along the coastal areas.

The Met office advised the authorities concerned to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation, particularly in hilly areas of the country. It also urged the National Disaster Management Authority and provincial disaster management authorities to take necessary steps accordingly.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2025