A new weather system, driven by westerly winds, is set to impact western parts of Pakistan starting tonight, bringing rain and snowfall to several regions, as per the Meteorological Department.
Weather Forecast:
- Rain and Snowfall: The system will persist until December 2, affecting various regions, including:
- Balochistan: Rain and thunderstorms expected in areas like Quetta, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan, Loralai, and Dera Ghazi Khan. Coastal areas such as Gwadar, Kech, and Panjgur will also witness rain, with snowfall on nearby mountains.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Rain is expected in regions like Kurram, Mohmand, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Malakand, Hazara, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan, with snowfall in mountainous areas like Swat, Dir, and Kohistan.
- Northern Areas: Gilgit, Hunza, and Skardu are forecast to experience rain and snowfall in mountainous regions.
- Islamabad and Surrounding Areas: Light drizzle is expected on November 29 and December 2 in Islamabad, Murree, Mianwali, and Bhakkar.
Read More: Snowfall in Kalam breaks record
Impact on Air Quality and Fog:
- Air Quality: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared Islamabad’s air quality index as “unhealthy” with an AQI of 170. However, the rains are expected to improve air quality in Punjab by reducing pollution.
- Fog: While air quality improves, the rain is expected to increase fog intensity in Punjab’s plains, which may affect visibility and travel conditions.
Precautionary Measures:
- Public Safety: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued alerts, urging local authorities to prepare for emergencies, ensure machinery availability, and advise people to stay away from power lines and unstable structures during the rains.
- Travel Advisory: Tourists visiting mountainous regions are urged to stay updated on weather conditions and exercise caution due to potential snowfall.
This weather system will bring much-needed relief in terms of air quality but also presents challenges, particularly in terms of travel disruptions due to fog and snow.
