ISLAMABAD: As rain and snow lashed large parts of the country on Thursday, a cold wave swept across Pakistan.
As per the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rain and heavy snowfall affected all provinces and northern regions. Areas including Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galiyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, and Rawalakot experienced heavy rain and snowfall.
In Punjab, widespread intermittent rain and thunderstorms hit major cities, including Rawalpindi and Lahore. Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also experienced widespread intermittent rain and snowfall across most districts.
In Sindh, the weather turned cold, with Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana receiving light rain.
The PMD said a strong westerly wave is affecting most parts of the country and is expected to persist in upper regions through Thursday. Widespread intermittent rain, wind, and thunderstorms—with snowfall over hilly areas—are forecast for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, and upper and central Punjab. Moderate to heavy rain and snowfall may occur at higher elevations.
On Friday, similar conditions are expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeastern Punjab, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, while cold and dry weather is likely to prevail in other parts of the country.
During the past 24 hours, scattered rain and thunderstorms were recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab, and Sindh. Significant rainfall was reported in Parachinar (88 millimetres), Khuzdar (12 millimetres), Jacobabad and Sukkur (10 millimetres each), and Bhakkar (9 millimetres). Snowfall of up to two inches was recorded in Kalam, Quetta, and Parachinar.
The lowest temperatures recorded included minus 11 degrees Celsius in Leh, minus 5 degrees in Gupis, Skardu, Bagrote, and Parachinar, and minus 4 degrees in Kalam.
Meanwhile, the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a weather alert, advising the public to avoid non-essential travel to high-altitude and snowfall-prone areas and to use snow chains where travel is unavoidable.
Citizens were urged to make adequate arrangements for heating, warm clothing, and shelter, particularly for vulnerable populations. Local communities were advised to remain vigilant and strictly follow advisories issued by relevant authorities.
The NDMA directed provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness for snow clearance, emergency response, and timely restoration of essential services, including electricity and communications.
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