Rains with snowfall over the hills are predicted in the western and northern parts of Pakistan during the weekend.
Foggy conditions will likely intensify over plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a shallow westerly wave prevails over the western and upper parts of Pakistan. It will likely strengthen on Saturday.
Under the influence of this weather system, intermittent light to moderate rain with snowfall over the hills is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Bunner), Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar) and Kashmir (Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh and Haveli) from December 13 to December 15.
Partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with light rain/snowfall are expected in Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah and Noushki on December 14 and December 15. There are chances of drizzle in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Potohar region and light rain/light snowfall in Murree & Galliyat during the period.
Moderate, at times dense foggy conditions are likely to develop over plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh from December 12 onwards. Another western disturbance is likely to influence the western and upper parts of the country from December 19.
Impacts:
Snowfall may cause road closure/slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Quetta, Ziarat and Chaman. Wet conditions may cause landslides in vulnerable areas of Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Foggy conditions may reduce visibility significantly and disrupt traffic on Motorways and Highways. The public is advised to remain cautious during the period. Day temperatures are likely to drop during the forecast period.
Tourists and travellers visiting mountainous areas are advised to remain cautious. Farmers are advised to manage their activities keeping in view the latest weather forecast.
