Another intense cold spell is set to grip the country, bringing rain, snowfall and a sharp drop in temperatures across several regions.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the current cold wave is likely to persist for the next week, while a fresh spell of rain and snowfall is forecast to begin today (Sunday) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and upper areas.

Further rain and snowfall are expected in the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where at least nine deaths have been confirmed so far in weather-related incidents due to severe cold.

In the Swat Valley, the weather has turned chilly following rain in the plains.

Snowfall after 15 years

Although snowfall has stopped in Malam Jabba, Kalam and Mahodand, due to unusually heavy snowfall, roads and power supply remain disrupted at several locations, and efforts are underway to reopen blocked routes.

In Shangla’s Bisham and Puran areas, snowfall has been recorded after 15 years, with up to three feet of snow reported in Alpuri, Shangla Top and other mountainous regions.

Record snowfall in Upper Dir has resulted in the closure of link roads and suspension of electricity, causing severe difficulties for residents.

In the Hazara Division, work has begun to clear snow-blocked roads in Mansehra, Battagram and Kaghan Valley.

Ban on tourists’ entry in place

However, roads in the Galyat region of Abbottabad remain closed, and the ban on tourist entry is still in place.

According to the PMD and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), a new western weather system is expected between January 25 and 27, which could bring heavy rain and snowfall to Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla and Kohistan.

The public and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel.

Rain alert for Punjab cities

Rain is also expected in several parts of Punjab on January 26 and 27, while weather conditions in Murree have begun to improve after more than two feet of snow.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain and snowfall have stopped after a day; however, travel advisories remain in place for mountainous areas, including the Karakoram Highway.

In Ghizer, widespread snowfall has led to road closures, causing difficulties in movement.

Life in Balochistan disrupted

Meanwhile, most areas of Balochistan, including Quetta, remain in the grip of severe cold.

Temperatures falling below freezing have badly affected daily life, while traffic flow has been disrupted at Kan Mehtarzai and Kojak Top due to ice formation.

Cold winds have also made the weather in Karachi unusually chilly, with residents saying the city’s conditions now resemble those of Quetta.

The PMD has advised the public to take precautionary measures, avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities.