KEY POINTS
- Cold wave likely to affect upper and central Pakistan on Dec 31
- System expected to persist in upper regions until Jan 2
- Snowfall may cause road closures and slippery conditions in northern and hilly areas
- Landslides and avalanches feared in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- Tourists advised to avoid unnecessary travel to high-altitude and vulnerable areas
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday issued a weather advisory warning that a severe cold wave is expected to affect the upper and central parts of the country from the night of December 29, with snowfall and hazardous conditions forecast in mountainous regions.
According to forecasts, a westerly wave is likely to enter the western parts of the country tonight and is likely to intensify from 30th December 2025.
The weather system is expected to affect most upper and central parts of Pakistan on December 31, 2025, and persist in the upper regions until the morning of January 2, 2026.
The NDMA said snowfall may cause road closures and slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli from the night of December 30 until the morning of January 2.
It also warned of a risk of landslides and avalanches in hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir during this period.
Avoid unnecessary travel
The NDMA advised tourists to exercise extra caution and avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable and high-altitude areas. Meanwhile, fog conditions are likely to ease in central and southern Punjab as well as upper Sindh during the wet spell.
In view of the expected conditions, the NDMA has advised all concerned Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and the ICT administration to ensure complete preparedness and response measures.
Authorities urged to remain vigilant
Authorities have been urged to remain vigilant, ensure the timely dissemination of information, keep emergency response teams on alert, and take proactive steps to minimize risks to life, property, and critical infrastructure.
NDMA closely monitoring the situation
The NDMA said it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant stakeholders to ensure timely response and mitigation efforts.
The public has been advised to stay updated on weather developments through official advisories and the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application, especially before planning travel to affected areas.
Separately, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), in its weather advisory, has also warned of rain and thunderstorms with snowfall over the hills in most parts of the country in the coming week.
It said that daytime temperatures were expected to drop further, particularly after the system passes.
