The Met Department has forecast rain and heavy snowfall in the mountains during the first week of January 2025, which could result in road closures and an intense cold wave in upper areas of the country.
According to a spokesperson for the Met Department, westerly winds are expected to enter Pakistan between January 1 and 6, bringing rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall to various regions.
Rain and snowfall forecast
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): Rain and snowfall are predicted in Dir, Swat, Shangla, and Mohmand from January 1 to 5. Nowshera, Swabi, Karak, Bannu, and Kohat are expected to experience rain and light snowfall during this period.
- Murree and Galiyat: Intermittent snowfall is expected throughout the period.
- Punjab: Rainfall is likely in Islamabad, Pothohar, Sargodha, and other cities of Central Punjab from January 2 to 6, while south Punjab may experience intermittent rain from January 2 to 5.
- Balochistan: Rain and snowfall are expected in Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Chagai, Nushki, Kalat, and Harnai from January 1 to 4.
- Sindh: Upper Sindh is likely to receive rain between January 3 and 4.
The Met Department has warned of potential road closures in the upper areas due to heavy snowfall. Increased fog is also anticipated in the plains following the rains, which may disrupt visibility and affect travel.
A severe cold wave is expected to grip the country once the rainfall and snowfall subside. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay warm and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.
