Rain, snowfall forecast for Punjab, PDMA issues weather advisory

LAHORE: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain and snowfall across most districts of Punjab over the next two days, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue a weather advisory and precautionary guidelines for citizens and tourists.

According to a PDMA spokesperson, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and snowfall is expected in the hilly areas of Punjab on December 20 and 21. Districts likely to be affected include Rawalpindi, Murree, the Galiyat and the Potohar region, where cold conditions may intensify due to snowfall.

The PDMA has also predicted light rain in several plain areas of the province, including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh during the same period.

Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said the expected rainfall would help reduce fog and smog levels, offering temporary relief from poor air quality across central Punjab. However, he cautioned that changing weather conditions could also create travel hazards.

The DG PDMA advised citizens to use face masks to protect against residual smog, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and refrain from non-essential travel during adverse weather. Motorists have been urged to drive carefully, avoid overspeeding and sudden braking, especially in rain-affected and hilly areas.

Special instructions have been issued for tourists heading to Murree, where snowfall may disrupt traffic flow. Authorities have asked visitors to take precautionary measures, follow official advisories and cooperate with local administration. To assist tourists, facilitation centres have been set up at various locations in Murree.

DG Kathia said the situation is being monitored round the clock from the PDMA control room, and relevant departments have been placed on alert to respond to any emergency.

He reiterated that public cooperation is essential to minimise risks during the spell of bad weather and urged people to stay informed through official updates.