RAWALPINDI: Rain/snowfall is expected in several parts of the country, including the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, from February 17 to 21.

According to Met Office, rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) with isolated hailstorm is predicted in upper/central parts of the country from February 17 (night) to February 21.

A strong westerly wave is likely to approach western parts of the country on February 17 (night) and may grip upper/central parts of Pakistan on February 18. Under the influence of this weather system in Punjab and Potohar region, moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur from February 17 to 21 while light to moderate rain-wind/thunderstorm in Multan, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan on February 18 and 19. Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the period.

Moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar of Gilgit-Baltistan and Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli and Mirpur in Kashmir from February 17 (night) to February 21. Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the period.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Buner, Bajaur, Kurram, Waziristan, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan during the period.

Rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is also expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila, Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel and Kohlu on February 18 and February 19 in Balochistan. However, in Sindh, dry weather with strong gusty winds is expected in southern parts of the province from February 18 to 20.

The Met Office warned that heavy rain/snowfall may disrupt and cause closure of roads in Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli.

The possibility of landslides in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan cannot be ruled out during the forecast period. Wind-thunderstorm/hailstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, vehicles and solar panels.

It advised farmers and tourists to remain extra cautious during the spell. All concerned authorities were advised to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2024