ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): After an extended period of dry weather that persisted through the early winter months—mirroring drought patterns seen in recent years—Pakistan is finally set to receive much-needed precipitation this weekend, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
A shallow western disturbance approached the western regions of the country on Friday, bringing with it the promise of rain and snowfall across multiple provinces. The Met Office forecasts light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in the plains, with snowfall expected over hilly areas from December 13 to 15. This precipitation is expected to bring relief to regions that have experienced unusually dry conditions during what is typically a wetter period.
Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms accompanied by snowfall over the hills are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Buner from December 13 to 15, with occasional gaps.
The same weather pattern is likely to affect Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar during this period. Kashmir areas—such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, and Haveli—are also expected to receive light to moderate rainfall and snowfall over the hills between December 13 and 15, with occasional breaks.
Partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with light rain and snowfall are expected in Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, and Waziristan on December 14 and 15. Similar conditions are forecast for Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, and Noshki during the same timeframe. There are chances of drizzle in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and the Potohar region, while light rain and light snowfall are expected in Murree and Galliyat on Sunday and Monday.
From the night of December 12 through December 16, moderate and at times dense foggy conditions are likely to develop over plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh. These foggy conditions may significantly reduce visibility and disrupt traffic on motorways and highways, and the public has been advised to remain cautious during this period.
The Met Office has also indicated that another western disturbance is likely to influence the western and upper parts of the country from December 19, suggesting that the prolonged dry spell may finally be coming to an end with multiple weather systems on the horizon.
The expected rainfall will also help reduce the effects of smog, which has been causing serious health issues, particularly for people suffering from allergies and respiratory conditions.
Snowfall may lead to road closures and slippery conditions in areas including Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Quetta, Ziarat, and Chaman during the forecast period. There is also a possibility of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Tourists and travelers visiting mountainous regions have been advised to exercise caution.
Day temperatures are likely to drop during the forecast period, intensifying the winter chill already prevailing across northern regions. Farmers have been advised to manage their activities in line with the latest weather forecast to protect crops and adjust irrigation schedules accordingly.
After weeks of concerning dry conditions that marked the initial months of winter—following several years of similar patterns—this weekend’s weather system offers hope for replenishing water resources. It is expected to provide relief to agricultural communities and regions dependent on snowmelt for water supply in the coming months, making the breaking of this prolonged dry spell crucial for water availability and agricultural productivity as winter progresses.
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