The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of flash flooding in several parts of Balochistan because of rainfall expected tonight (Saturday) and Sunday.

“Areas at risk include Chaghi, Nokundi, Kharan, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, and Quetta,” the Met Office said in its update.

“There are also concerns about traffic disruptions due to road closures and slipperiness in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, and Qilla Saifullah,” the statement said and urged residents and travellers to exercise caution and stay updated on weather conditions as such events unfold.

The PMD said that residents should take precautionary measures to ensure their safety during the unpredictable weather.

The weather pattern was a result of a westerly wave, according to the Met Office. Moderate rain to windstorm is expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Chagi, Noushki, Kalat, Barkhan, Khuzdar, Harnai, Zhob, Musakhel, Kharan, Kech, Panjgur and Gwadar from January 18 to 20 with occasional gaps.

On January 14, the Met Office denied social media reports that the country would experience the coldest weather in its ‘100-year history’ for four days after snowfall in some parts of Saudi Arabia.

Cold and dry weather conditions are expected to prevail in most areas and severe cold in higher regions on Sunday (tomorrow), the PMD said.

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“Rain and snowfall, accompanied by strong winds, are anticipated in northwestern Balochistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, the Pothohar region, Kashmir, Murree, and Galyat. Moderate to dense fog is expected in many districts of Punjab, upper Sindh, and the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the morning and nighttime hours.

Over the past 24 hours, the weather across most of the country remained cold and dry, with severe cold in hilly areas and partial cloudiness. Moderate to dense fog has been reported in many districts of Punjab and upper Sindh.

The following minimum temperatures were recorded today (Saturday): Leh at -11°C, Skardu at -9°C, Gupis at -7°C, Astor and Qalat at -6°C, Rawalakot and Kalam at -4°C, and Malam Jabba and Hunza at -3°C.