RAWALPINDI: The first rain and snowfall of 2021 is expected from Sunday evening and the wet spell will continue till Tuesday, further intensifying the cold wave.

The minimum temperature in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad remained -1 degree Celsius on Friday.

According to the Meteorological Office, a strong westerly wave is likely to enter Pakistan on Sunday and likely to grip upper parts of the country on Monday.

Under the influence of this weather system, rain/thunderstorm (isolated heavy falls) with snowfall over the hills is expected in Kashmir, Islamabad, Potohar region, Gujrat, Sialkot. Narowal, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura and Kasur from Sunday (evening) to Tuesday.

Rain with snowfall over the hills is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Kohat and Peshawar. Rain is also expected in Mianwali, Khushab, Jhang, Sahiwal, Okara, Faisalabad and Sargodha during the period.

The Met Office warned that heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in vulnerable areas of Kashmir.

A spokesman said below normal precipitation was likely to occur over the country in January. Average surface temperatures are likely to remain below normal in most parts of the country during the month.

He said one to two rainfall spells are likely in the central and upper parts of the country in January.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2021