The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather warning predicting that westerly winds will enter the country from Saturday, bringing widespread rainfall and snowfall.

According to the department, areas of Balochistan such as Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Chagai, Nushki, Kalat and Kech are expected to experience intermittent rainfall and snowfall in the mountainous areas from January 18 to 20. , accompanied by strong winds.

Similarly, Barakhan, Khuzdar, Hernai, Zhob, Musa Khel, Kharan, Panjgur and Gwadar will experience moderate rainfall, strong winds and snow in the mountains during the same period.

The Meteorological Department reported that from January 18 to 21, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience strong winds and intermittent rainfall in areas including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai and Kurram, with a chance of snowfall in the mountain areas.

Additionally, areas such as Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Karak, Kohat, Murree, Galiyat, Gilgit-Baltistan (including Diamer, Astor, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar) and Kashmir (including Neelum) Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sadhnoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur) are expected to experience moderate rainfall with snow in the mountains and strong winds.

Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal will experience strong winds and light rainfall on January 18 and 19, the department added.

The statement said flash floods are expected in Chagai, Nushki, Kharan, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah and Quetta on the night of January 18 and morning of January 19 due to moderate rainfall.

The Met office warned that the snowfall in areas like Naran, Kaghan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astor, Hunza, Skardu and Neelum Valley could lead to road closures and disruption to traffic flow when the road closures and slippery conditions also expected in regions like Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah and Qilla Saifullah.

There is also a significant risk of landslides and avalanches in the mountainous areas of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the statement added.

Authorities have advised tourists going to northern regions and hilly areas to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines, while farmers have been urged to adjust their activities according to the forecast to avoid potential damage to crops and property.

The PMD has asked citizens to stay updated with weather warnings and take necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to flooding and snowfall.