The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a nationwide weather advisory, forecasting widespread rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall in upper and central parts of the country due to an approaching western weather system.

According to the PMD, a strong westerly wave will enter western Pakistan from the night of December 29, intensify on December 30, and affect most upper and central regions by December 31. The system is expected to persist in northern areas until the morning of January 2.

Punjab and Islamabad Weather Forecast

In Punjab and Islamabad, rain, wind, and thunderstorms are expected from December 31 to January 1. Snowfall is likely in Murree and the Galiyat from the evening of December 30 to the morning of January 2, with intermittent breaks.

Isolated rain is forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Potohar region, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Gujrat, and Mandi Bahauddin. Southern and western Punjab districts, including Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Jhang, and Sahiwal, may also receive isolated showers on December 31.

Sindh Weather Update

In Sindh, light rain or drizzle is expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Thatta, and Badin on December 30. The PMD noted that fog conditions in central and southern Punjab and upper Sindh are likely to subside during the wet spell.

Also Read: Pakistan to face heavy rain, thunderstorms, snowfall from 29 December

Balochistan Forecast

Balochistan is expected to experience rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall over hilly areas from the night of December 29 to December 31. Affected districts include Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Kalat, Khuzdar, Mastung, Loralai, Barkhan, Turbat, Gwadar, Jiwani, Kech, Awaran, Panjgur, Washuk, Kharan, and Chagai.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Outlook

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms with moderate to heavy snowfall in upper areas are forecast from December 30 to January 1. Areas likely to be affected include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Battagram, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Bannu, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, and Kohat.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir

Rain, wind, and thunderstorms with moderate snowfall are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan districts including Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur are likely to be affected from December 30 to January 2.

Warnings and Travel Advisory

The PMD has warned that snowfall may cause road closures and slippery conditions in Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli.

There is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during the forecast period. Tourists and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, remain cautious, and stay updated with official weather advisories.

Daytime temperatures are expected to drop further across the country as the weather system strengthens, marking a sharp intensification of winter conditions nationwide.