ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of heavy snowfall that may cause road closures and slippery conditions in hilly areas of the country including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) from the night of February 19 (Wednesday) to the morning of February 21 (Friday).
The snowfall is expected in Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza and Skardu.
The PMD has suggested the possibility of landslides and avalanches in hilly areas of Kashmir, Murree, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Galliyat during the period.
The Department has advised tourists to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.
Snowfall likely in AJK
Widespread intermittent rain-wind/thunderstorms with snowfall over the hills are likely in Kashmir, Islamabad, upper Punjab, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Heavy rain and snowfall are likely at isolated places, with a chance of hailstorm in the Pothohar region and northeast Punjab.
Cloudy weather with intermittent rain/windstorms is expected in federal capital Islamabad. There is also a possibility of an isolated hailstorm.
Intermittent rain-wind/thunderstorms with snowfall over hills are expected in Chitral, Dir, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, and Kohat.
Heavy rain and snowfall are likely in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, and Mansehra. Intermittent rain-wind/thunderstorms with isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms are expected in Sargodha, Mianwali, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Sialkot, Mangla, Attock, Bhakkar, Khushab, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh.
Murree and Galliyat are expected to experience cloudy weather with intermittent rain and snowfall.
Dry weather is expected in most districts of Sindh province. Cold and dry weather will prevail in most districts of Balochistan province.
The authorities have advised the residents and tourists to take necessary precautions, remain updated on weather conditions, and avoid risky travel during this period.
