ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and provincial disaster management agencies have warned of rain, snow, and intermittent rainfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab over the next few days.
The PMD forecasts cloudy weather with light rain and snowfall in upper districts of KP starting from Saturday through Tuesday. A new western weather system is expected to affect the region from 31 January to 3 February.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), KP, issued warnings for rain and snow in upper districts including Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra, Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Battagram, Shangla, Upper and Lower Kohistan, and Kolai-Palas.
Intermittent rain is expected in the plains of Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, North and South Waziristan, Lakki Marwat, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan.
Authorities have instructed district administrations and relevant departments to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures. Snowfall in upper regions may cause a drop in temperature, while rain and snow could lead to road closures and slippery conditions in tourist areas such as Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, and Chitral.
Similarly, the PDMA Punjab has warned of rain and snowfall in the province’s upper regions from 1 to 3 February. Snow and rain are expected in Murree, Galyat, and surrounding areas, while the Potohar region, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, and Gujranwala may experience rainfall.
Local authorities, including health departments, Rescue 1122, police, and transport departments have been instructed to remain on high alert. Punjab Chief Minister’s directives emphasize readiness across all relevant agencies.
DG PDMA Punjab Irfan Ali Kathia stated that emergency control rooms will remain staffed 24 hours a day, and tourists in Murree should follow safety guidelines. Facilitation centers are established at various points in Murree to assist visitors.
He urged drivers to avoid speeding and sudden braking and advised the public to follow issued precautions. Citizens can contact PDMA helplines (1129 for emergencies or 1700 for information and updates).