KEY POINTS
- A westerly wave will bring widespread rain, wind, thunderstorms, and significant snowfall across Pakistan from December 29 to January 2.
- The PMD warns of major travel disruptions, including road closures in key mountainous and tourist areas, and a risk of landslides and avalanches.
- Authorities have urgently advised tourists and travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys to northern and western regions during the forecast period.
- The severe weather will affect all provinces, with heavy snowfall expected in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
ISLAMABAD: A potent and prolonged winter weather system is poised to grip most of Pakistan, bringing a multi-day spell of widespread rain, wind, thunderstorms, and significant snowfall across the hills starting from December 29, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned.
Weather System Timeline and Warnings
A strong westerly wave is expected to enter western Balochistan on the night of December 29, intensifying and spreading to upper and central regions by December 31. The system will persist in northern areas until the morning of January 2, 2026, likely causing travel disruptions, mountain pass closures, and a nationwide temperature plunge.
Major Risks: Travel Disruptions and Natural Hazards
The PMD has issued specific warnings for road closures and slippery conditions in key tourist and mountainous areas, including Naran, Kaghan, Murree, Galliyat, Swat, Dir, and the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, from December 30 to January 2.
There is also a heightened risk of landslides and avalanches in the hilly terrain of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir during this period. Authorities have urgently advised tourists and travelers to avoid unnecessary journeys to these areas.
Province-by-Province Forecast
Balochistan & Sindh: Rain-wind/thunderstorms with snowfall over hills expected in western/central Balochistan (Quetta, Zhob, Turbat) from December 29 (night) to 31st. Sindh (Karachi, Hyderabad) may see isolated light rain/drizzle on December 30.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: Widespread rain-wind/thunderstorms with moderate to heavy snowfall in upper regions across the province from Chitral to Peshawar between December 30 and January 1.
Gilgit-Baltistan & Kashmir: Rain-wind/thunderstorms with moderate snowfall from December 30 (evening) to January 2 (morning), potentially severely disrupting land connectivity.
Punjab/Islamabad: The Potohar region (Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat) will experience rain/thunderstorms with snow over hills from December 30 to January 2. Isolated rains expected in plains (Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan) on December 31 and January 1.
Additional Impacts and Public Advisory
While the active weather is expected to subdue dense fog in central/southern Punjab and upper Sindh, it will be followed by a notable drop in daytime temperatures next week. Citizens, especially in affected regions, are advised to stay updated on official weather bulletins and prepare for hazardous conditions.
