Pakistan is bracing for a significant winter spell as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts rain, strong winds, and snowfall in northern and western regions over the coming days. The cold wave, accompanied by adverse weather conditions, is expected to intensify across multiple provinces, prompting authorities to issue travel warnings.
The northern mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and the Potohar region, along with Islamabad and North and West Balochistan, are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rain with strong gusts of wind. Snowfall is expected at higher elevations, particularly in Murree, Galiyat, Swat, Dir, Kaghan, Naran, Hunza, Skardu, Astore, Neelum Valley, and Bagh.
Authorities have warned that the adverse weather could trigger landslides and road blockages in these hilly and mountainous areas. Travelers are advised to exercise caution, especially on routes in Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Chitral, Kohistan, Poonch, Haveli, and surrounding regions, where road slippage and temporary closures are possible.
In Punjab, the forecast indicates cold and partly cloudy weather across most districts. However, rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in Attock, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Noorpurthal, and Layyah. Murree and the Galiyat region are likely to receive rainfall and snowfall, while light rain or drizzle may occur in urban centers such as Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Multan, Jhang, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Toba Tek Singh. Morning and nighttime fog and smog are expected in southern and central districts, including Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal, Kasur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
Also Read: PDMA predicts rain and snowfall in several Punjab districts
In Sindh, weather conditions are expected to remain cold and mostly dry, with partly cloudy skies in upper districts. Fog and mist are likely during morning and nighttime in Sukkur, Rohri, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Mohenjodaro.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience cold, partly cloudy weather in most districts, while rainfall and snowfall are predicted in mountainous zones such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Malakand, Buner, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Kohat, Kurram, Bannu, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, and Tank.
Balochistan will face cold and partly cloudy conditions, with isolated rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall in mountainous districts, including Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, Mastung, Zhob, Chaman, Chagai, Noshki, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, Godar, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Harnai, and Musakhel. Meanwhile, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are forecast to experience partly cloudy skies with rain and strong winds, along with snowfall at higher altitudes.
The PMD has urged residents and commuters to take preventive measures, particularly in areas prone to landslides and snowfall-related disruptions. Officials also advised motorists to carry chains and avoid unnecessary travel in hilly and high-altitude regions. Authorities emphasized maintaining updated weather information and being prepared for sudden drops in temperature, especially during nighttime and early morning hours.
Pakistan has already witnessed the onset of winter, with light showers hitting Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Talagang, Quetta, and Ziarat. These rains have brought temporary relief from the long dry spell, with temperatures dropping significantly across several districts. The fresh spell is expected to continue over the weekend, with the possibility of intermittent rain and snowfall across northern, western, and hilly areas.
As winter conditions intensify, the PMD has also highlighted the likelihood of fog and smog formation in eastern Punjab and upper Sindh, particularly during early mornings and nights. Citizens are advised to drive cautiously and avoid exposure to severe cold, particularly the elderly and children, who are more susceptible to weather-related health risks.
The ongoing cold wave and snow-rainfall forecast mark the beginning of Pakistan’s winter season, emphasizing the need for preparation and caution to mitigate accidents, health hazards, and travel disruptions across affected regions.
