After an extended period of dry weather that has persisted through the early winter months, mirroring drought patterns seen in recent years, Pakistan is finally set to receive much-needed precipitation this weekend, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).A shallow western disturbance approached the western regions of the country on Friday bringing with it the promise of rain and snowfall across multiple provinces.

The Met Office forecasts light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in the plains, with snowfall expected over hilly areas from December 13 to 15. The precipitation will bring relief to regions that have been gripped by unusually dry conditions during what is typically a wetter period.Light to moderate rain and thunderstorm accompanied by snowfall over the hills is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Manshera, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Bunner from December 13 to 15 with occasional gaps.

The same weather pattern will affect Gilgit-Baltistan including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar during this period. Kashmir areas including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, and Haveli are similarly expected to receive light to moderate rainfall and snowfall over the hills between December 13 and 15 with occasional gaps.Partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with light rain and snowfall are expected in Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, and Waziristan on December 14 and 15.

The same weather pattern will affect Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, and Noushki during this timeframe. There are chances of drizzle in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and the Potohar region, while light rain and light snow is expected in Murree and Galliyat on Sunday and Monday. From the night of December 12 through December 16, moderate and at times dense foggy conditions are likely to develop over plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh. 

These foggy conditions may reduce visibility significantly and disrupt traffic over motorways and highways, and the public is advised to remain cautious during this period. The Met Office has indicated that another western disturbance is likely to influence western and upper parts of the country from December 19, suggesting that the current dry spell may finally be coming to an end with multiple weather systems on the horizon. 

The rain will also help reduce effects smog which is causing serious consequences for those having allergies. Snowfall may cause road closures and slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Quetta, Ziarat, and Chaman during the forecast period. There is also a possibility of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan during this period.

Tourists and travelers visiting mountainous areas are advised to remain cautious during the forecast period. Day temperatures are likely to drop during the forecast period, adding to the winter chill that has already set in across northern regions. Farmers are advised to manage their activities keeping in view the latest weather forecast to protect crops and adjust irrigation schedules accordingly. 

After weeks of concerning dry conditions that have characterized the initial months of winter following several years of similar dry weather patterns, this weekend's weather system offers hope for replenishing water resources and providing relief to both agricultural communities and regions dependent on snowmelt for their water supply in the coming months. The breaking of this prolonged dry spell could prove crucial for water availability and agricultural productivity in the affected regions as winter progresses.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)