A strong winter weather system is set to grip Pakistan, bringing widespread rain and heavy snowfall in most parts of the country.
According to the latest advisory from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a westerly wave will enter the upper parts of the country tonight, January 16, 2026, and is expected to intensify significantly from January 20 onward.
Regional Weather Breakdown
Northern Areas
Starting from the evening of January 16th to 19th, light to moderate rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall are expected with occasional gaps in Gilgit-Baltistan (including Diamir, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, and Gilgit), Kashmir (Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch), and the upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Chitral, Swat, Kalam, Abbottabad, and Mansehra).
Punjab Region
The spell will widen from January 20th to 23rd. Widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, the Potohar region, and major divisions of Punjab, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Multan, and Faisalabad. Upper regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir will continue to see wet weather.
Heavy Snowfall
Heavy snowfall is expected in Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Chitral, Swat, and other high-altitude areas from the night of January 20th to January 23rd.
Balochistan and Sindh
Rain and thunderstorms will reach Balochistan (Quetta, Ziarat, Gwadar, Turbat) on January 21st and 22nd, with moderate to heavy snowfall expected in Quetta and Ziarat. Sindh (Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur) is expected to receive rain on January 22nd and 23rd.
Impacts and Advisories
The PMD has warned that heavy rain and snow may cause road closures and slippery conditions in tourist hotspots like Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, and Swat from the night of January 21st to 23rd. There is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in the hilly areas of KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
PMD advises tourists to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during these dates. On a positive note, the current foggy conditions in Punjab, KP, and upper Sindh are likely to clear up during this wet spell, although daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly.
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