Islamabad – After a prolonged dry spell, Pakistan is set to experience heavy rain and snowfall across its northern regions from February 19 to 21, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). A frontal weather system is expected to enter the country on February 19, bringing widespread rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and parts of Punjab and Balochistan. Authorities have issued weather alerts, warning of road closures, landslides, and travel disruptions in affected areas.
The PMD has predicted intense snowfall in various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche, and Shigar. Similar weather conditions are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The department warns that heavy snowfall could disrupt road travel and increase the risk of avalanches and landslides in these mountainous regions.
Several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are likely to witness rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall over hilly areas. The affected areas include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Bannu, Karak, and Kohat. The intermittent downpours will continue from February 19 to 21, potentially causing flooding in low-lying areas and slippery road conditions in the upper regions.
Tourist hotspots Murree and Galiyat are expected to receive fresh snowfall from February 19 to 21. The PMD has urged visitors to exercise caution while traveling, as roads may become slippery and hazardous, particularly on steep slopes and mountainous paths. Heavy snowfall may lead to temporary road closures, particularly in high-altitude areas.
In Punjab, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Khushab, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh are expected to experience rain and thunderstorms between February 19 and 20. Meanwhile, lighter showers are anticipated in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Taunsa Sharif, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara, and Bahawalnagar on February 19.
Certain parts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Chagai, Nushki, Harnai, Zhob, and Musakhel, will experience rain and snowfall over the hills on February 18 and 19. These weather conditions might impact road travel, particularly in areas with steep mountainous terrain.
The PMD has warned that heavy snowfall could lead to road blockages in high-altitude areas such as Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, and Poonch. Additionally, there is a high risk of landslides and avalanches in hilly regions of KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
The forecast also predicts hailstorms in isolated areas across upper KP, northern Punjab, and Kashmir, which could damage crops and disrupt daily activities.
In light of the upcoming severe weather, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and provincial authorities have advised tourists and commuters to avoid unnecessary travel in snow-covered regions. Those visiting Murree, Naran, Kaghan, Skardu, and other high-altitude areas should prepare for potential road closures and sudden weather changes.
Despite the challenges, the rain is expected to benefit standing crops, particularly in rain-fed (barani) areas of Punjab and KP. The rainfall will help improve soil moisture, which is essential for wheat and other winter crops that suffered due to the extended dry period.
Unlike the northern regions, Sindh is expected to remain dry, with gusty winds forecasted along coastal areas, including Karachi. The PMD has advised fishermen and residents in coastal regions to stay alert for strong winds and possible rough sea conditions.
The NDMA and provincial disaster management authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to handle potential emergencies, particularly in mountainous and snow-prone areas. Local administrations have been urged to deploy resources for road clearance and emergency response in case of landslides, avalanches, or heavy snowfall.
The upcoming rain and snowfall spell is expected to bring much-needed relief from dry conditions but also pose significant travel risks in mountainous areas. Authorities and travelers are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions during this period.
