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ISLAMABAD, Jan 25 (APP):The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall across large parts of the country from Monday,warning of heavy snowfall, possible landslides, and road closures in hilly areas.
According to the PMD, cloudy weather with intermittent rain and snowfall is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and upper Punjab, while rain and thunderstorms are also likely in south Punjab and upper Sindh.
Isolated heavy rainfall with moderate to intense snowfall may occur in mountainous regions.
The department warned that heavy snowfall between January 26 and 27 may disrupt life and block roads in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, and several districts of Balochistan including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai, and Zhob.
The PMD further cautioned that the risk of landslides and avalanches may increase in the hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during this period.
Tourists have been strongly advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.
In Islamabad and surrounding areas, cold and partly cloudy conditions are expected, with rain and thunderstorms likely during the evening and night.
Most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience cold and cloudy weather, while rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall over hills are expected in Chitral, Swat, Dir, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Malakand, Kohat, Kurram, Bajaur, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan. Isolated heavy snowfall may occur in upper districts during night hours.
Punjab will remain partly cloudy, with rain and thunderstorms expected at isolated places in central and southern districts, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Bahawalpur. Very cold weather with rain and snowfall is likely in Murree and the Galliyat, while light to moderate fog may develop in some areas during the morning.
In Sindh, cold and partly cloudy weather will prevail, with rain and thunderstorms likely in Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Dadu. Balochistan is expected to remain cold and cloudy, with rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall in Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, Zhob, Loralai, Mastung, Khuzdar, and coastal districts.
Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will experience very cold and cloudy weather, with rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall, while isolated heavy snowfall is also expected.
The PMD reported that cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country during the past 24 hours, with very cold conditions in hilly areas. Leh recorded the lowest temperature at minus 14 C, followed by Astore, Kalam, and Nathia Gali at minus 9 C.
The authorities have urged travelers, especially tourists and transporters, to keep updated on weather advisories and take precautionary measures to avoid any untoward incidents.