A new westerly weather system is expected to bring rain to several parts of Pakistan and snowfall to mountainous areas over the next four days. Authorities warned that Punjab is likely to see less smog, but the cold will become more intense.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast rain, strong winds and thunderstorms in the upper parts of the country until November 14. The system is due to enter the western and northern regions on November 10 and strengthen on November 12.
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Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa brace for showers
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a rain alert for most districts of the province from November 10 to 13. It warned of possible strong winds and hailstorms in some areas. Rawalpindi, Mianwali, Jhelum, Attock, Khushab, Bhakkar, Sargodha and Murree are among the districts likely to get rain, while Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Gujranwala and Sheikhupura may also see rainfall.
The PDMA said strong winds and hailstorms were possible in Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Multan and nearby areas. It has told commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab to stay alert and take precautionary steps. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain is forecast in Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Abbottabad and other districts between November 10 and 14.
Snow expected in the north while other regions stay dry
Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to receive rain between November 10 and 14, with snowfall in mountainous areas. The Met Office said most districts of Balochistan were likely to remain dry, although a few areas could receive some rain. Most parts of Sindh are also expected to stay dry over the coming days.
Smog to ease as temperatures fall
The PDMA said the rainfall should help reduce smog across Punjab, though temperatures will also drop and deepen the cold. The Met Office has warned that fog could form in some areas after the rain. Daytime temperatures are expected to fall by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in areas hit by rain.
