ISLAMABAD: Cloudy weather will prevail in Islamabad today, however according to the Meteorological Department heavy rain is predicted for New Year eve (tomorrow) in Islamabad and its surrounding areas.
According to the met office, westerly wind system has entered Balochistan due to which rain has started in several areas and snowfall in the upper areas.
Rain has been recorded in Gwadar and Jiwani, which has led to flooding of low-lying areas.
Rain has also started in Pishin, Chaman, Ziarat and Toba Achakzai. The rain has also increased the intensity of cold.
Snowfall occurred in Neelum Valley, Upper Grace, Sardari and Taubat of Azad Kashmir.
There are also reports of snowfall in Kurram, Parachinar and surrounding areas.
On the other hand, PDMA Punjab has predicted rain and snowfall in the upper areas.
According to PDMA, rain and snowfall are expected in the hilly areas of Punjab until January 2.
Rain and snowfall are likely in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiat and Pothohar regions.
Light rain is expected in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh from December 31 to January 1.
Due to the rains, the fog and smog situation will decrease.
The situation is being monitored round the clock in the PDMA control room.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel in bad weather.
Snow in Murree
In view of the expected snowfall in Murree, the Chief Secretary Punjab has directed the district administration and related institutions to remain alert.
A meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary at the Civil Secretariat to review the arrangements in Murree.
The meeting decided to keep machinery ready to remove snow from the roads.
The authorities agreed to maintain the flow of traffic at all costs.
Instructions were issued to keep heavy machinery active for the clearance of roads.
The Chief Secretary said that the process of salting and snow removal should be started immediately as soon as snowfall starts.
He directed that special measures be taken for the flow of traffic during snowfall.
It was also ordered to ensure timely provision of information for the guidance and awareness of tourists.
IG Police Dr. Usman Anwar informed the meeting that additional personnel will be sent from Lahore to assist Murree Police.
Deputy Commissioner Murree gave a detailed briefing to the meeting on the arrangements.
It was informed in the briefing that 13 facility centers have been established in Murree to guide tourists.
A control room has also been activated for 24-hour monitoring of the situation.
