Heavy rain and snowfall sweep across Pakistan, cold wave intensifies

Various parts of the country, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, are experiencing intermittent rain for the third consecutive day. The highest recorded rainfall in the capital was 8mm in Saidpur. According to the Meteorological Department, the rain spell is expected to continue until March 1.

The ongoing rain has affected the Pakistan vs. Bangladesh match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, causing interruptions in play.

A strong westerly wave has triggered heavy rain and snowfall across northern Pakistan, leading to road closures and hazardous travel conditions. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning for Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli, where heavy precipitation may cause slippery roads and landslides.

Tourists are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel during intense snowfall and rain.

Punjab

Light to moderate rain continues in Lahore, with a significant drop in temperature. Rain is also reported in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Gujrat, Chakwal, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, and other cities. Some areas have also witnessed hailstorms. Farmers are hopeful that the rainfall will positively impact wheat and other crops.

The rainy weather has led to an increased demand for hot snacks, with people flocking to shops for fresh pakoras and other delicacies to enjoy the chilly atmosphere.

With ongoing rainfall, authorities have urged citizens to take necessary precautions and ensure proper drainage in agricultural fields to prevent waterlogging.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Balochistan

Dir, Chitral, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Malakand are experiencing continuous rain, with snowfall over the mountains. In Balochistan, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, and Loralai are also witnessing rainfall and snowfall, increasing the cold intensity.

Murree & Northern Areas

Murree and Galiyat are witnessing heavy rain with light snowfall, enhancing the region’s beauty. Streams and rivers have seen a rise in water levels, while tourists are enjoying the wintery atmosphere. The Meteorological Department predicts that the rain and snowfall will persist for the next two days.

Sindh

The weather in most districts of Sindh remains dry, with no major rainfall reported.

Friday Weather Forecast

Mostly dry and partly cloudy weather is expected across the country. Isolated rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall over hills may occur in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeast Balochistan, northeast Punjab, Pothohar region, Islamabad, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan during the daytime.

Light to moderate fog may develop in some plain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and central/southern Punjab.