Authorities warn ongoing weather system could trigger flash flooding in local streams across upper KP, GB, AJK
The mercury fell further in Lahore after the season’s first winter rains on Thursday with intermittent showers and a chilly breeze, while weather officials issued a red alert for heavy rain and snowfall in the northern parts of the country.
The rainfall began in several Lahore neighborhoods including Johar Town, Jail Road, Mall Road, Shadman, Qurtaba Chowk and near Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Light showers and drizzle were also reported in Township and Green Town, while the city remained overcast with gusty winds, adding to the wintry chill.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned that heavy rain and snowfall could lead to road closures and slippery conditions in mountainous regions including Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat Valley, and parts of Have, Azad Pohlum Kashmir, Bagh, Bagli, Bagli, Kashmir and Rawalakot.
Authorities warned that the ongoing weather system could trigger flash floods in local streams and nullahs over upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The risk of landslides and avalanches remains high in many areas. Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise extreme caution.
According to the PMD, a strong westerly wave is affecting most parts of the country and is expected to continue in the upper regions. Widespread intermittent rain, wind and thundershowers – with snowfall over hills – are forecast for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad and upper and central Punjab. Moderate to heavy rain and snow may occur at higher elevations.
Cold and dry weather is likely in other parts of the country.
During the last 24 hours, scattered rain and thundershowers have been recorded in KP, Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh. Significant rainfall was reported in Parachinar (88 millimeters), Jacobabad and Sukkur (10 mm each), Khuzdar (12 mm) and Bhakkar (9 mm). Snowfall of up to two inches was recorded in Kalam, Quetta and Parachinar.
The coldest temperatures recorded included minus 11 degrees Celsius in Leh, minus 5 degrees in Gupis, Skardu, Bagrote and Parachinar and minus 4 degrees in Kalam.
