PESHAWAR: The Meteorological Department has forecast a shallow westerly wave is likely to affect the upper parts of Pakistan till 21 January.
According to Met department, Under the influence of this weather system, rain, thunderstorms, and light to moderate snowfall are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ganche, Shigar, while in Kashmir Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli.
Met department forecast that parts of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner from the evening of January 16 to January 19, with occasional breaks.
Light rain and snow are also expected in Murree, Galiyat, and surrounding areas from January 18 to 20.
From January 20 to 23, widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, the Potohar region, parts of Punjab Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sahiwal, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur divisions.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts including Peshawar, Hazara, Malakand, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan divisions. Heavy snowfall is likely in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, and Rawalakot during this period.
The Met Office has warned of possible road closures and slippery conditions in mountainous areas including Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley from January 21 to 23.
Authorities have also cautioned about landslides and avalanches in hilly regions of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
Tourists and travelers have been advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary journeys during the forecast period.
The wet spell is expected to reduce fog conditions in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh, while daytime temperatures are likely to drop significantly across the country.
Read also: Cold, dry weather to prevail across the country today
