The Meteorological Department (Met Office) has issued a detailed alert covering Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Balochistan, and upper Sindh.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), light rain and snowfall are expected in the hilly districts of Punjab from December 14 to 15. Upper districts such as Murree, Galliyat, and the northern parts of the province may witness intermittent precipitation and cold conditions. Meanwhile, plains including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana Sahib will continue to experience dense fog and smog, reducing visibility and affecting daily life.
Central and southern Punjab districts including Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, Layyah, Kot Addu, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Khanpur are also likely to face poor air quality and moderate to dense fog during early morning and late-night hours, the PDMA warned. Authorities have advised motorists to drive cautiously and follow safety measures.
The Meteorological Department added that a shallow western disturbance has entered the country, bringing light to moderate rain with occasional thunderstorms across the plains, while hilly regions will experience snowfall. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Manshera, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Bunner are expected to receive rain and snow between December 13 and 15. Gilgit-Baltistan districts including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar, along with Kashmir valleys such as Neelum, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, and Haveli, may also see winter precipitation.
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Light rain and snowfall are forecast in merged districts such as Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, and Waziristan, while Balochistan districts including Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, and Noushki may receive precipitation from December 14 to 15. Urban centers including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar could see light drizzle, while Murree and Galliyat are expected to experience rain and snow.
Authorities have cautioned that snowfall in mountainous areas may lead to slippery roads, possible road closures, and increased risk of landslides, particularly in Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Quetta, Ziarat, and Chaman. Tourists and residents in these areas have been advised to stay alert and follow PDMA guidelines.
The Met Office also warned that another series of westerly winds is expected to enter Pakistan from December 19, potentially bringing additional rain and snowfall to northern and western regions. This forecasted weather is likely to end the prolonged dry spell that has affected the country in recent months, helping improve water resources, replenishing reservoirs, and supporting agriculture dependent on winter precipitation.
PDMA Director General Irfan Kathia emphasized that citizens should exercise caution while traveling during periods of low visibility due to fog and smog, particularly in the early morning and late evening hours. Farmers have been advised to adjust irrigation schedules and crop management plans in line with the latest weather updates.
