Pakistan to receive rain, snowfall this weekend after prolonged early-winter dry spell

• Met office forecasts precipitation across northern, western regions from Dec. 13–15
• Fog, landslide risks, road closures likely as temperatures drop, Met Department says

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to receive much-needed rain and snowfall this weekend after an extended early-winter dry spell, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Friday, citing the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

According to the Met Office, a shallow western disturbance entered the country’s western regions on Friday and is expected to bring light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in plains, along with snowfall over hilly areas, from Dec. 13 to 15.

The precipitation is expected to affect large parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, as well as parts of Balochistan and northern Punjab, offering relief to regions that have experienced unusually dry conditions during what is typically a wetter period.

“Light to moderate rain and thunderstorm accompanied by snowfall over the hills is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur and Buner from December 13 to 15 with occasional gaps,” the PMD said, according to APP.

Similar weather conditions are forecast for Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar, as well as parts of Azad Kashmir such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Bagh and Haveli during the same period.

The Met Office said partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with light rain and snowfall are expected in parts of the former tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while areas of Balochistan including Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob and Chaman are also likely to be affected. Drizzle is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and the Potohar region, while Murree and the Galliyat may receive light rain and snowfall on Sunday and Monday.

From the night of Dec. 12-16, moderate to dense fog is likely to develop over plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh, the PMD warned, cautioning that reduced visibility could disrupt traffic on highways and motorways.

Snowfall may lead to slippery roads and temporary closures in mountainous areas including Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Hunza, Skardu, Ziarat and Chaman, with a risk of landslides in vulnerable parts of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Tourists and travelers have been advised to remain cautious.

The Met Office said another western disturbance is likely to influence western and upper parts of the country from December 19, raising hopes that the prolonged dry spell may ease. Officials say the expected precipitation could help replenish water resources, support agriculture and reduce smog levels in urban centers.