The weather of Islamabad has become quite pleasant and cold after midnight raining for many hours. According to the weather forecasters, Islamabad and Rawalpindi are likely to see partly cloudy skies with isolated spells of rain and thunderstorms as a new westerly weather system approaches the country.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted that gusty winds may accompany the rain, though no widespread downpour is expected in the capital region. Temperatures are forecast to remain seasonally cool, with brief wet spells possible mainly from the evening of February 9 into February 10.
Why is the weather changing now?
The PMD says a westerly wave entered Pakistan’s western regions on February 8 and is moving northwards. Such systems are common in winter and often bring rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall to the upper and western parts of the country. This latest system is expected to remain active until February 10.
According to Dawn, Lahore is expected to remain partly cloudy, while other parts of Punjab may see rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms from the evening of February 9 through February 10. Snowfall over the hills is likely in areas such as Murree and the Galiyat. The affected regions include Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Khushab, Jhang, Noorpur Thal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot and Narowal. Windstorms are also possible in southern districts during this period.
What is the forecast for Balochistan?
Several districts of Balochistan are expected to receive rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with snowfall over higher elevations on February 8 and 9. These include Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Zhob, Kalat, Mastung, Khuzdar, Gwadar and Panjgur. The PMD has warned that wet conditions and snow may make travel difficult in hilly areas.
How will Khyber Pakhtunkhwa be affected?
Rain and thunderstorms, along with snowfall in mountainous areas, are forecast across much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on February 9 and 10. Areas such as Chitral, Swat, Dir, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, and Kohat may be affected, with isolated hailstorms also possible.
Weather of Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir
Parts of northern Punjab, including Murree and the Galiyat region, may see rain and snowfall from the evening of February 9. Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are also forecast to receive rain, thunderstorms, and snow, with a risk of landslides in vulnerable areas.
The PMD has advised tourists and residents in mountainous regions to avoid unnecessary travel, warning that snowfall may lead to slippery roads and traffic disruptions over the next two days.
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