Web Desk: A powerful weather system sweeping across Pakistan is set to bring widespread rain, thunderstorms and heavy snowfall to large parts of the country from Thursday night through Friday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said.
The system, driven by a strong westerly wave, has already lowered temperatures and triggered rain and snow in several regions, with authorities urging caution in mountainous areas.
In Punjab, intermittent rain is forecast to spread across much of the province from Thursday night, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Multan. Forecasters warned that some upper districts could see heavy downpours accompanied by hail.
Meanwhile, Murree and the Galiyat region are likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall, raising concerns about slippery roads and temporary closures. Officials advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel as conditions could deteriorate quickly.
Temperatures in Lahore are expected to remain chilly, with minimums hovering between 5 and 8 degrees Celsius through the weekend.
Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain is expected to become more widespread on Thursday night and Friday, affecting districts from Peshawar and Kohat to Swat, Dir and Chitral. Upper areas are likely to see moderate to heavy snowfall.
Authorities warned that intense rain and snow could disrupt travel in popular destinations such as Naran, Kaghan, Kalam and Chitral. In addition, runoff from melting snow and heavy rain may trigger flash flooding in local streams, while landslides and avalanches remain a risk in hilly terrain.
Parachinar recorded the coldest conditions in the province over the past 24 hours, with temperatures dropping well below freezing.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi are also expected to experience periods of rain from Thursday night into Friday, with colder conditions persisting through the weekend. Similar weather is forecast for upper Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, where rain in lower areas and snowfall in higher elevations are likely.
Meteorologists cautioned that heavy snow could disrupt traffic in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Astore, Hunza, Skardu and the Neelum Valley.
Over the past day, scattered rain and snowfall were reported across parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh, while much of the country remained cold and overcast.
Officials said the current system is expected to weaken after Friday, although cold conditions are likely to linger in northern and central regions.
Tourists and commuters were advised to stay updated on weather advisories and road conditions as the system continues to affect large swathes of the country.
Rainfall (mm):
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Parachinar 88, Bannu 14, Dera Ismail Khan 13, Peshawar City & Bacha Khan Airport 09, Chitral & Drosh 08, Mir Khani, Peshawar Airport & Cherat 07, Kalam 06, Takht Bai 03, Dir & Pattan 02, Lower Dir 01
Balochistan: Khuzdar 12, Zhob 10, Samungli 09, Ormara 08, Sibbi 06, Quetta & Lasbella 03, Panjgur 01
Punjab: Layyah 10, Bhakkar 09, Dera Ghazi Khan 06, Kot Addu 04, Sargodha City 01
Sindh: Jacobabad & Sukkur 10, Khairpur 04, Rohri, Dadu, Mohenjo-Daro & Thatta 03, Padidan 02, Sakrand & Nawabshah 01
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