PDM predicts another spell of snowfall in Murree, northern areas

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted another spell of rain and snowfall in the northern areas next week from January 18 to January 20.

According to the press release issued by Met Office, heavy snowfall has been predicted in Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Chitral, Dir, Swat, and several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

A weather system will enter Punjab bringing rain and thunderstorms. Heavy showers are expected in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Gujrat, Narowal, Nowshera, Peshawar, Bajaur, Waziristan, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Swabi, and Mardan.

Several cities of Balochistan, too, will see rainfall. This is alarming because the province is already suffering from the chaos of the previous spell of rain.

The rain and snowfall will dip temperatures below freezing point. A warning for land sliding has been issued in Dir, Malakand, Hazara, Swat, Kohistan, and Kashmir as well.

Extreme weather conditions up north have brought life to a standstill. Last week, 22 tourists froze to death after they were stuck in a snowstorm in Murree. The government has, subsequently, banned the entry of tourists into the hill station and adjoining areas.

Possible Impacts:

Rain will be beneficial for the wheat crops in Barani areas.

Landslides in the vulnerable areas of Dir, Malakand, Hazara, Swat, Kohistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are also possible on Tuesday/Wednesday.

Prevailing dense foggy conditions are likely to subside.