Rain hits Lahore as northern Pakistan sees snowfall

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Lahore, along with Pakistan’s plains, is experiencing significant rainfall, while snowfall continues over the country’s northern mountainous regions.

In Lahore, showers were recorded in Abbott Road, Lakshmi, Gawalmandi, Johar Town, Jail Road, and surrounding areas. Light rainfall has also been observed in Shadman, Awan-e-Sanat-o-Tijarat Road, Qurtaba Chowk, Township, Bagrian, and Green Town. The weather remains cloudy with strong winds sweeping across the city.

Power disruptions

The rainfall has affected the city’s electricity network, with over 150 feeders managed by LESCO tripping due to the wet conditions. Multiple areas have experienced power outages, causing inconvenience for residents. LESCO has placed all field staff on high alert to restore supply and address technical faults promptly.

Motorway conditions

According to Syed Imran Ahmed, spokesperson for the Central Region, light showers were reported along the Lahore-Islamabad M2 Motorway, Pindi Bhattian-Multan M4, and M5 Motorway stretching from Multan to Rahim Yar Khan. Rainfall was also recorded along the Lahore-Sialkot M11 Motorway. He advised drivers to reduce speed, maintain safe distance, keep headlights on, and avoid sudden braking while driving on wet roads.

Rain, snowfall across Pakistan

Northern Pakistan and Azad Kashmir are witnessing snowfall, with temperatures dropping significantly. In Balochistan, areas such as Ziarat, Kan Mehtarzai, Muslim Bagh, Toba Kakri, and Toba Achakzai reported snow, with Quetta recording a low of -1°C, and Kodraktop and Khawaja Imran registering -3°C. The National Highway Authority and PDMA continue clearing snow from highways.

In Azad Kashmir, higher altitude regions reported light snow, while lower valleys saw a marked drop in temperatures.

In Karachi, rain accompanied by gusty winds brought relief from the heat, affecting areas including Surjani Town, Saddar, Garden, Gul Plaza, Mauripur, New Nazimabad, Ahsanabad, Gadani, Hub Chowki, Gulshan-e-Mimar, Nagan Chowrangi, and Gulistan-e-Johar.

Peshawar and surrounding districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also seen rainfall, with snow reported in Upper and Lower South Waziristan, North Waziristan, and mountainous areas. The PDMA warned that the rain and snowfall spell could intensify, urging citizens to follow safety measures.

The Meteorological Department forecasts intermittent rain and snowfall across upper regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until 23 January, with Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Bajaur, Malakand, Swat, Buner, Shangla, Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Batgram, Torghar, Mansehra, and Abbottabad likely to experience precipitation and snow on elevated terrain.