Quetta/Lahore/Islamabad: Rain and snowfall have gripped several parts of Balochistan, while Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are also expected to receive rain over the next two days, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The PMD said rainfall has been continuing since last night in multiple areas of Balochistan. Ziarat, Kan Mehterzai, Muslim Bagh, Toba Kakari, and Toba Achakzai are experiencing rain along with snowfall.
The cold spell has intensified in Quetta and surrounding areas, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Quetta recorded a low of minus 1 degree Celsius, while Kojak Top and Khwaja Imran reported temperatures as low as minus 3 degrees Celsius.
The National Highway Authority (NHA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) are continuing snow clearance operations on highways in northern and hilly regions to ensure traffic flow.
Punjab and Islamabad
In Lahore, the weather remains partly cloudy. The Met Office has forecast intermittent rain today and tomorrow, which is expected to further lower temperatures.
Meanwhile, Islamabad and Rawalpindi are also under cloudy skies, with rain accompanied by strong winds and thunder likely later today.
Azad Kashmir
Most areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are experiencing cloudy conditions, with light snowfall on high-altitude mountains. Cold weather has intensified in lower regions as well.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Rain is expected in most districts of KP over the next 24 hours. Areas likely to receive rainfall include Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Chitral, Swat, and Buner.
The PMD also forecasts rain in Battagram, Dir, Kohistan, Abbottabad, and Haripur, while Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Hangu, Kohat, Mohmand, Khyber, and North and South Waziristan may also be affected. Snowfall is expected on mountains in upper districts, raising concerns over landslides and flash flooding in hilly areas.
Karachi
In Karachi, intermittent rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunder is expected. Rainfall may be of moderate intensity, the Met Office said.
The city is likely to remain partly cloudy over the next 24 hours, with colder conditions expected from Friday. Minimum temperatures may drop to 7°C, while the maximum is expected to hover around 25°C.