Key Points
- Western disturbance to bring rain and snow across multiple regions Dec 13–15
- Fog expected in Punjab, KP and upper Sindh from Dec 12–16, disrupting travel
- Another weather system is likely from Dec 19, signaling the end of long dry spell
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is poised to receive its first significant winter rain and snowfall from December 12-15, breaking a weeks-long dry spell that has raised concerns for water availability, agriculture, and air quality, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
A shallow western disturbance entered western regions on Friday, with the Met Office forecasting light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall across upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, parts of Balochistan, and northern Punjab. The system is expected to provide much-needed moisture during what has so far been an unusually dry early winter.
The PMD said the weather pattern would bring rain and snowfall to Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Buner. Gilgit-Baltistan districts, including Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar are also expected to receive precipitation. Kashmir’s Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh and Haveli are forecast to experience similar conditions.
Rain-Thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) predicted in western and northern parts of Pakistan during the weekend (December 13-15, 2025)
Another western wave is likely to approach from December 19, 2025.#PMDUpdate #PakistanWeather #WesternDisturbance #RainAlert #SnowfallAlert pic.twitter.com/0ARMUNwrkS— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) December 12, 2025
Operationally, light rain and snowfall are expected in Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram and Waziristan on December 14 and 15, while Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah and Nushki will see partly cloudy to cloudy weather with chances of light precipitation. Drizzle is likely in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and the Potohar region, with light rain and snow in Murree and Galliyat on Sunday and Monday.
Moderate to dense fog is forecast over plain areas of Punjab, KP and upper Sindh from the night of December 12 through December 16, potentially reducing visibility and disrupting motorway and highway traffic. Snowfall may cause road closures and slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Quetta, Ziarat and Chaman. Landslides are possible in vulnerable areas of upper KP and Gilgit-Baltistan. Tourists and travelers are advised to remain cautious.
Daytime temperatures are likely to fall further, while farmers are advised to adjust irrigation and field activities based on the latest forecast. Another western disturbance is expected to affect the western and upper parts of the country from December 19.
