More rain, snowfall expected as cold wave persists across country

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rain and snowfall in different parts of the country from Sunday through Tuesday as a cold wave continues to grip several regions.

According to the Met Office, rain is expected in Islamabad, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree and Galiyat, while snowfall is likely in mountainous areas.

The PMD said a new series of westerly winds is expected to enter western parts of the country on Sunday night and spread towards the northern areas by Monday, intensifying cold conditions.

Rain, wind and thunderstorms with snowfall at scattered places are expected in several districts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai, Zhob, Kalat, Barkhan, Sibi, Loralai, Turbat, Gwadar, Jiwani, Kech, Awaran, Chaghi, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Washuk and Kharan on Sunday night and Monday.

Similar weather conditions are likely in upper Sindh, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Dadu, on January 26.

The Met Office has also predicted rain, wind and thunderstorms with snowfall — including a few spells of heavy snowfall — in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar, as well as in Kashmir’s Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Rawalakot and Haveli.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Buner, Peshawar, Nowshera, Swabi, Malakand, Mardan, Kohat, Kurram, Khyber, Hangu, Bajaur, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan, along with Murree and Galiyat, are expected to receive rain and snowfall on January 26 and 27.

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Rain, wind and thunderstorms are also forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several parts of Punjab, including Chakwal, Attock, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujrat, Sargodha, Mianwali, Gujranwala, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar and Dera Ghazi Khan, with occasional breaks.

Meanwhile, severe weather conditions have disrupted daily life, particularly in upper regions, where heavy snowfall has blocked roads and affected mobility.

Authorities said the Pakistan Army, along with Frontier Corps, is carrying out continuous relief operations in affected areas, including Tirah. Several vehicles trapped in heavy snow have been rescued and shifted to safer locations.

Officials said affected families are being provided food supplies, blankets, essential items and emergency medical assistance. Local residents have appreciated the timely efforts of security forces in helping them cope with the harsh weather.