Rain and snowfall in various parts of Pakistan have significantly increased the intensity of cold, as temperatures dropped sharply across the country on Wednesday and into New Year’s Day 2026. According to reports, light to heavy rain and snowfall on mountainous areas have created a harsh winter spell, affecting daily life, travel, and tourism.
The first snowfall of the winter season was recorded in Galiyat, Nathia Gali, and Thandiani, drawing large numbers of tourists to hill stations despite freezing temperatures. Continuous snowfall was also reported for the second consecutive day in upper Swat, including Kalam and Malam Jabba, further lowering temperatures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Rainfall intensified the cold in Abbottabad and surrounding areas, while Mirpur city and nearby regions also experienced chilly conditions. Islamabad received heavy rain, while light drizzle was reported in several parts of Lahore. Sargodha witnessed light to heavy rain, adding to the cold wave in central Punjab. In Peshawar and Mardan, rainfall brought a noticeable drop in temperatures.
Weather conditions also worsened in Balochistan, where rain and snowfall were reported in multiple districts. Snowfall occurred in Ziarat, Chaman, Kan Mehtarzai, and Toba Achakzai, while intermittent rain was recorded in Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Kalat, and nearby areas. The cold weather is expected to persist across most districts of Balochistan, while Sindh is likely to remain cold and dry.
Meanwhile, New Year 2026 dawned under winter’s charm, with rain and snow accompanying prayers and hopes across the country. Special prayers were offered in mosques nationwide for peace, stability, and economic prosperity. In Karachi, citizens witnessed the first sunrise of 2026 at 7:17 am, with many gathering at Hill Park to welcome the New Year. However, residents of Lahore and Multan were unable to see the sunrise due to dense fog.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more rain, snowfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms across various regions on January 1, 2026. Snowfall is expected in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Galiyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Astore, Hunza, and Skardu. Rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is likely in Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, and Sialkot, while thunderstorms may occur in parts of Gujranwala and Narowal.
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Authorities have warned that traffic flow could be disrupted due to slippery roads, fog, possible landslides, and road closures, particularly in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Continued snowfall in Murree has further intensified the cold in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Despite challenging weather conditions, citizens welcomed the New Year with optimism and prayers, hoping that 2026 will bring peace, stability, and prosperity to Pakistan amid the ongoing winter spell.
