Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in coordination with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and provincial disaster management authorities, has issued a weather advisory from January 31 to February 4, warning of cold, dry conditions, rain, snowfall, fog, and landslide risks across multiple regions of the country.
According to the NDMA weather advisory, much of Punjab is expected to experience cold and dry weather, while Murree, Galyat, and the Potohar region may receive light rain and snowfall between January 31 and February 3. Rain is also likely in Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, and Gujranwala during this period.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), cold and dry weather is forecast for the plains, whereas upper and northern districts are expected to see light rain and snowfall due to a new western weather system active from January 31 to February 3. The PDMA KP has issued alerts for districts including Abbottabad, Mansehra, Swat, Upper and Lower Dir, Chitral, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Malakand, and Kolai-Palas. Intermittent rain may also affect plains such as Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and North and South Waziristan.
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The advisory states that Balochistan will largely remain cold and dry, though rain and snowfall are expected in northern and central mountainous areas. Meanwhile, Sindh may face foggy conditions due to persistent cold and dry weather, particularly during morning and night hours.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, weather is expected to remain very cold and cloudy, with snowfall posing risks of avalanches and landslides. Areas such as Chitral, Dir, Kalam, Naran, Kaghan, Gilgit, Hunza, and Skardu face heightened threats of avalanches and landslides, while Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Murree, and Galyat may experience landslides due to snowfall.
Travel and Safety Advisory
Authorities have warned that snowfall may cause slippery roads, traffic disruptions, and possible road closures, especially in tourist destinations including Murree, Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, and Chitral. Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel to mountainous regions, follow official safety guidelines, and remain cautious while driving.
The PDMA Punjab has directed all relevant departments, including Rescue 1122, health services, police, and transport authorities, to remain on high alert. Emergency control rooms will operate 24/7, and facilitation centres have been set up in Murree to assist tourists.
Officials have urged drivers to avoid overspeeding and sudden braking, while tourists are advised to keep vehicles equipped for winter conditions. For emergencies, citizens can contact PDMA helpline 1129, while 1700 remains available for updates and information.
