Pakistan Meteorological Department has announced that popular tourist destinations in the northern part of the country could receive more snowfall in coming days.

In an advisory issued on January 30, PMD said that ‘moderate to heavy’ snowfall could occur in the higher altitude areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa till February 4.

A later advisory issued on Feburary 4 extended the chances of snow into the next week.

PMD also said on Sunday that Kalam has received seven inches of snow, while Malam Jabba and Murree have received four inches of snow in the previous 24 hours.

The areas that could receive snow in GB include Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar) Kashmir (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur.

Meanwhile snow is also expected in KP’s Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla as well as Murree and Galliyat.

The Kaghan Development Authority has already banned the entry of tourists in the area after announcing the closure of the Mansehra Naran Jalkhad Road from Kaghan and onwards.

Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority has already issued an advisory for tourists travelling in winter, recommending the following things

• Get a weather update before travelling
• Get your car fully checked beforehand
• Keep a full fuel tank
• Do not travel with old tires and keep air-pressure lower
• Chain tires during snowfall to avoid slipping
• Keep engine on in case of a traffic jam and ensure silencer is exhausting fumes
• Do not keep the car’s heater running for long durations with windows closed
• Keep food in had, including dry fruits
• Pack plenty of warm clothes

In addition, tourists can call PDMA at 1199 or Motorways Authority at 130 in case of an emergency

The country will see two public holidays in the upcoming week including Ksahmir Solidarity Day and general election day, which could increase tourist influx in the areas.