Strong Westerly Wave Brings Heavy Rain, Snow, and Disruption to Northern Pakistan

A powerful westerly weather system has descended upon Pakistan, bringing significant disruption to northern regions. The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi experienced continuous rain through the night of January 22, with temperatures plunging to 3°C and creating slushy, difficult conditions across the area.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department reports that this strong westerly wave is affecting most of the country. It is likely to persist in upper regions until January 24, bringing rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall over the hills.

Severe Weather Warnings for Upper Regions

The Met Office has issued specific warnings for several areas. Heavy rain and snowfall are expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Islamabad, and upper Punjab. This poses serious risks, including:
* Road closures and slippery conditions in major tourist and hill areas like Murree, Naran, Kaghan, Swat, Chitral, and Skardu.
* Flash flooding in local nullahs and streams of upper KP, GB, and Kashmir.
* Potential for landslides and avalanches in hilly areas.
Authorities have advised tourists to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. In Murree, traffic police have made vehicle tyre chains mandatory in case of snow and warned against unsafe parking or using phones while driving.

Impact on Daily Life in Rawalpindi

The weather has severely impacted normal life in Rawalpindi. Ongoing construction work on major roads like Kutchery Chowk and 6th Road, combined with rain, created muddy, impassable conditions for pedestrians and motorcyclists.
Evening business activity was minimal, with most markets deserted as people stayed indoors. However, the cold weather spurred high demand for warming foods. Shops selling fried fish, soups, and traditional desserts like gajar ka halwa reported booming business, with large crowds at popular outlets in Saddar and Commercial Market.
Residents also faced dual utility challenges, with many reporting electricity and gas loadshedding that forced them to seek alternative means for cooking and heating during the cold spell.

A System with Lingering Effects

As snowfall begins in hill stations like Murree, officials are taking preventive measures, including salting roads. The widespread and severe nature of this weather system underscores the need for public vigilance. The combination of precipitation, low temperatures, and existing infrastructure work is likely to cause continued disruption across northern Pakistan in the coming days.