Rain ‘expected’ to lash Karachi, Lahore, other parts of country next week

A powerful westerly weather system is set to grip Pakistan next week, bringing widespread rain to Karachi, Lahore, and several other regions, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

The PMD has issued a weather advisory forecasting a significant wet spell and heavy snowfall across most parts of the country starting in the mid of next week, as a powerful westerly wave is expected to grip the region.

According to the Met Office, a shallow westerly wave will initially approach the upper regions on January 16 (tomorrow), persisting until January 19. The system is predicted to strengthen significantly by January 20, eventually encompassing most of the country by January 21.

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The weather system is expected to impact different regions in phases, as upper regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to receive rain, wind, and thunderstorms with light to moderate snowfall between January 16 and 19. Murree and Galliyat may see light rain and snow between January 18 and 20.

The system will intensify, bringing widespread rain and thunderstorms to Islamabad, the Potohar region, and major divisions across Punjab, including Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Peshawar, Hazara, and Mardan as well from January 20-23. Intense snowfall is anticipated in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Murree, Galliyat, and the Neelum Valley during this period.

Balochistan—including Quetta, Ziarat, and Gwadar—is expected to see rain and snowfall on January 21 and 22. Coastal and inland Sindh, including Karachi and Hyderabad, may receive rain on January 22 and 23.

Giving details about potential impacts and travel advisory amid the upcoming weather system, the PMD has warned of several significant impacts.

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Heavy snowfall may lead to road closures and slippery conditions in mountainous areas such as Naran, Kaghan, Murree, and Quetta. There is an increased risk of landslides and avalanches in the hilly terrains of KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, the weather advisory department said, adding that daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly nationwide.

The “wet spell” is likely to diminish the dense fog conditions currently prevailing in Punjab, KP, and upper Sindh.

Tourists and commuters are strongly advised to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel to hilly areas during the forecast period, the PMD said.