ISLAMABAD: Murree has witnessed its first snowfall of the winter season, bringing a noticeable chill to the air. The first snowfall has attracted tourists in large numbers, eager to experience the beauty of the season and the “Queen of Hills.”
Snowfall and intermittent rain continued in the upper regions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, adding to the winter charm.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported that the snowfall and rain in Murree are expected to persist for the next 24 hours. A PDMA spokesperson cautioned that the weather conditions may disrupt traffic flow on roads, but measures are being taken to ensure accessibility, including the sprinkling of salt on icy surfaces.
Director General of PDMA, Irfan Ali Kathia, has issued directives to the Murree administration to remain vigilant and avoid any lapses. He emphasized the use of heavy machinery to clear snow from roads promptly and ensure smooth traffic movement.
Also read: Murree snowfall, emergency measures activated
To facilitate visitors, the PDMA has established 13 facilitation centers in Murree. The DG also urged citizens to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during this period.
Tourists are advised to stay updated on road conditions and adhere to safety guidelines while enjoying the serene snowfall in Murree.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that a westerly wave is expected to affect the upper parts of the country from December 8 to December 14.
It said that under the influence of this cold wave, a significant drop in both daytime and nighttime temperatures is predicted.
“Daytime temperatures are expected to fall 4–6°C below normal in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, while in Balochistan and Sindh, they may drop 5–7°C below normal. Cold and gusty winds are also anticipated in Sindh, Balochistan, and parts of Punjab, with frost likely to develop over plains,” the met Office said.
It said that moderate rain with wind and thunderstorms, along with snowfall over the hills, is forecast for Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Buner, Shangla, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Astore, Ghizer, Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Haveli, and Bagh from the night of December 7 to the afternoon of December 8, and again from the night of December 10 to December 11 (with occasional gaps).
The Met Office said that light to moderate rain with wind and thunderstorms, as well as snowfall over the hills, is expected in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Sialkot, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, and Jhang from the night of December 7 to the afternoon of December 8.