PESHAWAR (Kashmir English): Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has issued fresh weather updates for the province, warning of rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall in upper regions from January 16 to January 23.
According to the authority, rain accompanied by thunder is expected across several districts, while mountainous areas may receive snowfall.
In light of the latest weather updates, PDMA has placed administrations of all districts on high alert and directed relevant departments to remain prepared.
According to the weather update, from January 16 to 19, light intermittent rain is expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, and Shangla. Similar conditions are forecast for Kohistan, Buner, Malakand, and Mansehra.
Intense weather activity
From January 20 to 23, more intense weather activity is likely in upper districts, with rain, thunderstorms and snowfall over the mountains.
As per official weather updates, rain is also expected in plain areas including Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan.
Following the rainfall, fog formation and a noticeable drop in temperatures is likely in low-lying areas.
The provincial authority warned through its weather updates that roads in Naran, Kaghan, Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and the Galiyat could become slippery or blocked. There is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in hilly regions.
The authority has advised tourists to carry food, medicines, and warm clothing during snowfall and urged citizens to stay away from weak structures and power lines during storms.
Earlier, Punjab extended winter vacations amid persistent cold weather. The schools will now open on January 19.
The first snowfall and rain of the winter season was recorded on Tuesday across various mountainous areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan is heading into a new and active winter phase as a fresh westerly weather system has entered the country that is expected to bring widespread rain, thunderstorms and snowfall across large parts of the north and plains over the coming days.
The system is expected to intensify from January 20 onwards, extending its grip over most regions of the country from January 21.
The Met Office has warned that heavy snowfall may lead to slippery conditions and possible road closures in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, the Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai and Zhob from the night of January 21 to January 23.
There is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in the hilly areas of Kashmir, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Tourists have been advised to remain extremely cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.
The department noted that fog conditions over Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh are likely to ease during the wet spell, while daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly across many regions.
