A significant shift in weather is imminent for northern Pakistan, as a new westerly system is poised to deliver widespread rain, snowfall, and a much-needed respite from hazardous smog and fog conditions this week, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced.
The meteorological office has predicted that the incoming weather pattern will commence on Tuesday, November 4, and persist through Wednesday, November 5. This spell is anticipated to bring showers accompanied by strong winds to numerous districts, with snowfall expected in mountainous zones.
According to the PMD, the westerly system is set to enter the country late Monday night. Its influence will be felt across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with moderate precipitation forecast for Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Abbottabad, and Haripur. Downpours are also likely in Swabi, Peshawar, Mardan, and Kohat, while Azad Kashmir and Muzaffarabad are also expected to receive rainfall.
The forecast extends to the federal capital, Islamabad, and major cities in Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Sargodha. The advisory also noted the possibility of thunderstorms in parts of Khushab, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, and Lahore, which have been grappling with poor air quality.
Officials have advised that temperatures are projected to drop considerably during and following the wet spell. The anticipated precipitation is also expected to significantly decrease the intensity of prevailing smog and fog, improving visibility and air quality across the affected regions.