QUETTA: Quetta and parts of Chagai district received rainfall on Thursday evening, while the Pakistan Meteorological Depart­ment (PMD) predicted more rain and snowfall in 20 districts of Balochistan, including the provincial capital.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued an alert, indicating that heavy rain is expected in Quetta, Chagai, Chaman, Ziarat, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Loralai, Pishin, Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Harnai, Sibi, Nushki, Kharan, Lasbela, Turbat, Panjgur, Kech, Awaran and Makran coastal regions. Snowfall is also anticipated on the mountains.

The PDMA has advised the public to remain at secure locations during rain and snowfall and directed relevant authorities to remain on high alert.

Following the rains, the PMD expects cold weather in various districts. Kalat reported a record minimum temperature of minus 2 degrees Celsius, while Quetta recorded minus 1, Sibi 5, Nokkundi 7, and Turbat 13 degrees Celsius. Coastal areas of Balochistan, including Jiwani and Gwadar, recorded temperatures of 14 and 13 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2024