A fresh spell of westerly winds has gripped Pakistan, bringing snowfall to upper regions and rain to the plains, with authorities warning of a sharp drop in temperatures and intensified cold in the coming days.The director general of the Meteorological Department, Mehr Sahibzada Khan, said a series of westerly winds is currently affecting both the plains and upper parts of the country.In an exclusive interview with Samaa TV, he said snowfall is likely in the upper reaches, while rain is expected in the plains, including parts of the federal capital region.Khan said rainfall will help reduce dense fog in the plains, improving visibility.

However, he warned that the overall intensity of cold will increase as temperatures decline across the country.He added that the temperature in Islamabad could drop to the freezing point. Another series of rain and snowfall is also expected to enter the country after a few days.Snowfall has been reported in several areas of Balochistan, including Ziarat, Kan Mehtarzai, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, and Qila Saifullah.  In Quetta, snowfall has continued intermittently, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

PDMA Director General Jahanzeb Khan said rescue teams and heavy machinery have reached areas affected by rain and snowfall. Snow clearance operations are underway on highways impacted by snowfall.  PDMA staff and machinery remain active in Chaman, Kan Mehtarzai, Qila Saifullah and Ziarat, while relief materials had already been dispatched in advance.The PDMA confirmed that operations are ongoing to restore traffic on the national highway in Muslim Bagh, where landslides occurred due to rain and snowfall.

Authorities said efforts are being made to reopen blocked routes as quickly as possible.Due to ongoing relief operations, PDMA has cancelled holidays for all officers and staff across Balochistan. Jahanzeb Khan said all personnel are performing their duties without interruption. He added that the situation in snowfall-affected areas is being reviewed moment by moment, and PDMA is fully prepared to deal with any unexpected developments.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)