A fresh and intense winter system continues to affect large parts of Pakistan, bringing heavy snowfall to northern areas, rain and thunderstorms to several districts, and extreme cold to parts of Balochistan and Sindh, according to the Meteorological Department.

The department has forecast intermittent rain in Islamabad and surrounding areas. Heavy rain and snowfall are expected in Murree, Galiyat, and nearby regions, accompanied by cloudy weather.

Authorities have warned that weather conditions may worsen, particularly in hilly areas, increasing travel risks.

Murree under snow, tourist entry closed

Heavy snowfall has continued in Murree and its surroundings for several hours, with the district administration confirming that up to four feet of snow has been recorded so far. Due to the severe weather, the entry of more tourists into Murree has been closed.

A prolonged power outage has plunged many areas of the city into darkness. All officers of the district administration remain present in the field as road-clearing operations continue, while the Meteorological Department predicts further snowfall throughout the night and into tomorrow.

Rain, hail expected in Punjab

Heavy rain and hail are likely in northeastern districts of Punjab. Intermittent rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, and Sargodha.

Intermittent rain is also likely in Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, and Chiniot.

Also Read: Heavy snow paralyses Pakistan, roads blocked, power supply suspended

The Met Department reported that a total of 32 millimetres of rain was recorded in the twin cities. Saidpur received 46mm of rain, Bokra 34mm, Shamsabad 42mm, Kachehri and Gawalmandi 33mm each.

New Katarian recorded 38mm of rainfall, Pirwadhai 28mm, while Golra received 20mm of rain, further intensifying cold conditions.

Thunderstorms, snowfall expected in KP

Moderate to heavy snowfall is expected in upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rain with thunder is likely in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, and Kohistan.

Thunderstorms are also forecast in Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Peshawar, and Charsadda.

Cold and dry weather is expected to prevail in most districts of Sindh and Balochistan. In Barkhan and surrounding areas, the intensity of cold increased sharply after rainfall.

Cold winds have made the weather extremely harsh, with reports of water freezing in several areas, significantly affecting daily life.

Kalat faces freezing temperatures

Blood-chilling cold has gripped Kalat and surrounding areas following yesterday’s snowfall. The Meteorological Department reported that the mercury dropped to minus 12 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours.

Snowfall of up to one foot was recorded, causing water dripping from rooftops to freeze. Normal life has been severely affected, roads appear deserted, and many residents remain confined to their homes due to extreme cold.