Rain, snow, and flash floods predicted across Pakistan from today

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather warning, predicting that western winds will enter the country from Saturday, bringing with them widespread rainfall and snowfall.

According to the department, from January 18 to 20, areas in Balochistan such as Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Chagai, Nushki, Kalat, and Kech are expected to experience intermittent rainfall and snowfall in the mountainous regions, accompanied by strong winds.

Similarly, Barakhan, Khuzdar, Hernai, Zhob, Musa Khel, Kharan, Panjgur, and Gwadar will witness moderate rainfall, strong winds, and snow in the mountains during the same period.

The Meteorological Department reported that from January 18 to 21, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience heavy winds and intermittent rainfall in areas including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, and Kurram, with the possibility of snowfall in the mountainous regions.

In addition, areas like Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Karak, Kohat, Murree, Galiyat, Gilgit-Baltistan (including Diamer, Astor, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), and Kashmir (including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sadhnoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur) are expected to experience moderate rainfall with snow in the mountains and strong winds.

Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal will witness strong winds and light rainfall on January 18 and 19, the met department added.

The statement said that flash flooding is expected in Chagai, Nushki, Kharan, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, and Quetta on the night of January 18 and the morning of January 19 due to moderate rainfall.

Met office warned that the Snowfall in areas like Naran, Kaghan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astor, Hunza, Skardu, and Neelum Valley could lead to road closures and disruptions to traffic flow as the road closures and slippery conditions is also anticipated in regions such as Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, and Qilla Saifullah.

There is also a significant risk of landslides and avalanches in the mountainous areas of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the statement added.

Authorities have advised tourists heading to northern regions and hilly areas to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines whereas farmers have been urged to adjust their activities according to the weather forecast to avoid potential damage to crops and property.

The PMD has asked citizens to stay updated with weather warnings and take necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to flooding and snowfall.