The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted rain with thunderstorm and snowfall over the hills with isolated hailstorm in upper/central parts of the country from tomorrow (Saturday) night to Wednesday.

“Strong westerly wave is likely to approach western parts on 17th (night) and may grip upper/central parts of the country on 18th Feb,” the Met Office said in its forecast on Friday.

The statement added that all concerned authorities were advised to remain ‘alert’ and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.

Under the influence of this weather system:

Gilgit Baltistan/Kashmir:

Moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), Kashmir (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur) from Feb 17 to Feb 21 with occasional gaps. Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the period.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:

Moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Buner, Bajaur, Kurram, Waziristan, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan from Feb 17 to Feb 20 with occasional gaps. Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the period.

Punjab/Islamabad:

Moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur from 17th (night) to 21st Feb, while light to moderate rain-wind/thunderstorm in Multan, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan on Feb 18 & Feb 19. Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the period.

Balochistan

Rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel and Kohlu on 18th (evening/night) & 19th Feb.

Sindh

Dry weather with strong gusty winds is expected in southern parts of the province from Feb 18 to Feb 20.

The PMD has warned that heavy rain/snowfall might disrupt and cause closure of roads in Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli.

It further warned of a possibility of landslides in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan cannot be ruled out during the forecast period.