According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast, the westerly wave is expected to enter western parts of the country tonight and intensify over upper Pakistan by January 26, bringing rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall to several regions.
Under the influence of this system, rain with thunderstorms and snowfall is expected in many districts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Zhob, Kalat, Barkhan, Loralai, Turbat, Gwadar, Kech, Awaran, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Washuk, and Kharan from the night of January 25 through January 26. Moderate to heavy snowfall is also likely in parts of northern Balochistan.
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The Met Office said Upper Sindh, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Dadu, may experience rain and thunderstorms on January 26.
Heavy rain and snowfall are also forecast for Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from January 26 to 27. Affected areas include Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Swat, Dir, Chitral, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Buner.
In Punjab, rain and occasional snowfall are expected in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Dera Ghazi Khan during the same period, with intermittent breaks.
The PMD warned that heavy snowfall could lead to road closures and slippery conditions in tourist and mountainous areas such as Naran, Kaghan, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Swat, Chitral, and parts of northern Balochistan.
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Authorities have also cautioned about the risk of landslides and avalanches in hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir due to continuous snowfall and rain.
Relevant departments have been advised to remain on high alert, while travelers and tourists are urged to avoid unnecessary journeys and follow official weather advisories to ensure safety during the spell.
