Recent snowfall transforms Quetta’s rugged terrain into a desolate winter sight, with travelers making their way along a snow-lined road. Photo: NNI
ISLAMABAD:
A powerful western weather system has tightened its grip across Pakistan, plunging temperatures below freezing in many northern areas, causing widespread snowfall, rain and landslides, blocking roads, disrupting electricity supplies and bringing daily life to a standstill in several mountainous districts.
Meanwhile, authorities warned of further travel disruptions and urged caution.
According to the National Weather Forecast Center (NWFC), a westerly wave continues to affect the upper parts of the country and is expected to persist until Tuesday.
Temperatures fell to -7°C in Malam Jabba, Parachinar and Gupis, -6°C in Bagrote, -5°C in Kalam and Rawalakot, -3°C in Murree and Skardu, and -1°C in Quetta.
The meteorological center warned that snowfall could lead to road closures and slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galiyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli on January 27, with risks of landslides and avalanches in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Tourists were advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
Intermittent rain, strong winds and thunderstorms were forecast for upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, with isolated areas expected to receive heavy rain and moderate to heavy snowfall.
Cloudy weather with isolated rain and thunderstorms was forecast in lower Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, northeastern Punjab and northern Balochistan, while cold and dry conditions were expected elsewhere. The system is likely to persist until January 28.
Meanwhile, the National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) said it was actively ensuring traffic flow amid heavy snowfall. On E-35 Hazara Highway, officials continued to clear snow and assist commuters, while heavy machinery was deployed on Murree Highway to keep roads open.
The NWFC had earlier warned that snowfall could disrupt traffic in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK and parts of Balochistan including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai and Zhob.
‘Critical’ situation in Galiyat
On the other hand, conditions in the Galiyat region of Abbottabad remained “critical” as heavy snowfall continued, with Nathiagali, Ayubia and Changla Gali receiving more than one meter of snow in the last 16 hours, according to the state APP.
Snow removal operations were underway and the situation was being closely monitored, officials said. Snowfall intensity remained high, approximately 0.8 cm per hour.
Meanwhile, a third spell of snowfall, accompanied by intermittent rain, lashed upper and lower South Waziristan on Monday night, intensifying cold conditions and restricting mobility in high-altitude areas.
The snowfall caused a sharp drop in temperature and raised concerns about road blockages, although it also brought relief to farmers after a prolonged drought.
Snow continued intermittently in the upper reaches, while the lower and flat areas received constant rain. Residents reported icy roads, reduced visibility and difficulties in commuting.
Authorities warned that continued snowfall could again isolate remote villages if cleanup operations were delayed. The affected areas included Angoor Adda, Shakai, Khamrang, Raghzai, Zam Cheena, Margha Cheena, Kaniguram, Badar, Makeen and Ladha, besides the surrounding mountainous regions.
Just two days earlier, heavy snowfall in these towns had blocked at least 12 stretches of road, disrupting transportation and delaying the supply of food and essential items.
From an agricultural perspective, farmers welcomed the rainfall, especially for wheat crops at a critical stage of growth. Local farmers said the rain and snowfall improved soil moisture, fertility and groundwater recharge.
A Wana farmer said the rain and snow acted as natural irrigation, helping seeds germinate and improving fertilizer efficiency, ultimately increasing yields and income.
Agriculture and irrigation department officials said melting snow would replenish streams, springs and underground aquifers, helping to stabilize water levels after years of declining groundwater due to dry conditions and overuse of tube wells.
Despite these benefits, snowfall continued to pose challenges in elevated areas. Icy roads, fog and falling temperatures disrupted traffic, especially on narrow and steep routes.
District administrations advised residents to be cautious, avoid unnecessary travel and take preventive measures against extreme cold, especially for children and the elderly.
Officials said instructions had been issued to ensure timely clearing of roads and emergency preparedness.
Landslides, power outages
Under the current western system, rain in the plains and persistent snowfall in the upper areas blocked link roads, paralyzing daily life in Upper Dir, Lower Dir and Chitral.
In Gwaldai area of Upper Dir, a landslide left several vehicles carrying passengers stranded, causing serious difficulties, as residents complained about the absence of government machinery.
In Upper Dir’s Sheringal forest colony, a van veered off a snowy road and fell into a ravine, injuring three people who were taken to hospital.
In and around Peshawar, the rain that started last night stopped briefly in the morning but resumed later, intensifying the cold. Rain continued intermittently in the plains of KP, while the third snowfall persisted in the highland and mountainous areas.
In Chitral, light snowfall resumed after a gap of four days. Snowfall continued in the Lowari tunnel area, Kalash, Madaklasht and Garam Chashma valleys, while Shandur, Laspur and Yarkhun in Upper Chitral also remained under snow.
Despite the snowfall, traffic on Lowari Tunnel Road continued due to ongoing clearing operations, with authorities ordering motorists to use snow chains.
Snowfall intensified cold conditions in Chitral, significantly increasing the demand for firewood. Residents reported shortages and price gouging, and vendors charged inflated rates.
In Malam Jabba and upper areas of Swat, snowfall that began overnight continued, while rain persisted in lower areas, including Mingora. In Lower Dir there was also rain in urban areas and heavy snowfall in the upper regions.
Heavy snowfall of several feet was recorded in Kumrat Valley, Jahaz Banda, Badgoi, Lowari Tunnel, Kalpani, Shahi Ban Shahi, Lajbok, Ushairai, Dara Tor, Mang Dara and Laram, cutting off link roads. The snowfall also caused electricity poles to collapse in parts of Lower Dir, Upper Dir and Chitral, leading to prolonged power outages.
In Lower Dir, daily life remained severely disrupted and markets witnessed negligible activity.
Punjab
Meanwhile, cloudy weather, strong winds and intermittent rain with thunderstorms were forecast for Lahore and several districts of Punjab, while snowfall was expected in the upper areas.
The Meteorological Office and PDMA warned of intensifying cold weather and urged precautionary measures.
Rain with gusty winds and thunderstorms were expected in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Attock, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore and Kasur, while Sheikhupura, Gujrat and Gujranwala and adjoining areas were also likely to receive rain. Some locations could experience heavy downpours.
Intermittent rain and moderate to heavy snowfall were forecast in Murree and Galiyat. PDMA Punjab said snowfall had continued in Murree since last night, with between 6 and 7 inches recorded so far, and warned of more rain and heavy snowfall over the next 24 hours, intensifying the cold conditions.
The Met Office also forecast rain and snowfall with gusty winds in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, with moderate to heavy snowfall at some places.
Cold and dry weather was expected elsewhere, while most of the country was likely to remain cold and dry on January 28, with bitter cold in mountainous areas.
Light to moderate fog was expected during night and morning over plains of Punjab and upper Sindh. PDMA Punjab said its control room remains on high alert and urged citizens to contact helpline 1129 in case of emergencies.
Tourists were advised to avoid unnecessary trips to Murree and snowy areas and exercise caution.
