ISLAMABAD, Dec 27: The Pakistan meteorological department forecast on Monday a good spell of rain in most parts of the country and snowfall in Balochistan, Northern Areas and Kashmir over the next three days.

A Met office spokesman told Dawn that a weather system had entered Pakistan from Afghanistan and a grand wet spell was expected to prevail for another two-three days in Punjab, the NWFP and Kashmir.

He said the first snowfall of the season was expected in Balochistan on Tuesday. He said the rain spell, already started in Balochistan, would enter Punjab, the NWFP and Kashmir on Tuesday.

This spell would have a good impact on the Rabi crop both in barani and canal command areas because of its timing. He said the rains would reduce shortage of irrigation water.

He said most parts of the country, particularly hilly regions of Northern Areas and Northern Balochistan, were currently in the grip of cold weather. The lowest temperature was recorded at Astore where mercury fell to minus nine, followed by Skardu at -7, Chilas -6, Murree -4 and Abbotabad -1.

The temperature suddenly dropped to one degree centigrade in Islamabad on Monday, he said. The spokesman said the foggy weather in Punjab was expected to subside in two to three days owing to the rainy season.

He said it would be after two years that Balochistan would receive reasonable rains. In reply to a question, he said there were no chances of floods in Balochistan despite heavy rains as the soil could absorb more than 50mm of rain water.