ISLAMABAD, Jan 2: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast normal to widespread rains and snowfall in some parts of Balochistan and other hilly areas across the country over the next five days.

Isolated rains and thunderstorm has also been forecast for the entire Sindh province during January 6-9, according to a statement issued by the PMD.

It says a meteorological analysis and numerical weather prediction models suggest that westerly weather system is likely to approach Balochistan and Northern Areas from the night of Jan 4 and then later on spreading to other parts of the country in the next two days. This system is likely to persist for about a week.

Under the influence of this weather system scattered to widespread rain/thunderstorm with isolated heavy falls associated with snowfall over the hills is expected in Balochistan between Jan 4 and Jan 9.

The statement says scattered and widespread rain and thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected in Punjab including Islamabad, NWFP, Northern Areas and Kashmir from Jan 4 to Jan 12.

The PMD has said the barani and irrigated areas of the country are expected to receive good rain during the period and hence advised the farmers to take appropriate actions.