Fresh snowfall transforms Quetta’s rugged terrain into a stark winter vista as travelers move along a snow-covered road. Photo: NNI
ISLAMABAD:
A powerful westerly weather system has tightened its grip on Pakistan, dropping temperatures below freezing in many northern areas, triggering widespread snowfall, rain and landslides, blocking roads, cutting power supplies and paralyzing daily life in several mountainous districts.
Meanwhile, authorities have warned of further travel disruption and urged caution.
According to the National Weather Forecasting Center (NWFC), a westerly wave continues to affect the upper parts of the country and is expected to continue until Tuesday.
Temperatures fell as low as -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 weather center warned that snowfall could cause road closures and slippery conditions across 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 risk of landslides in upper Kwaanh, Pakwaanh, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Tourists were advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
Intermittent rain, strong winds and thundershowers were forecast for Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, with isolated areas expected to receive heavy rain and moderate to heavy snowfall.
Lower Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, northeastern Punjab and northern Balochistan were forecast for cloudy weather with isolated rain and thundershowers, while cold and dry conditions were expected elsewhere. The system is likely to last through January 28.
Meanwhile, the National Highways and Motorways Police (NHMP) said it was actively securing traffic amid heavy snowfall. On the E-35 Hazara Expressway, officials remained engaged in clearing snow and assisting commuters, while heavy machinery was deployed on the Murree Expressway to keep the roads open.
The NWFC had earlier warned that snowfall could disrupt traffic over 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
Separately, conditions in Abbottabad’s Galiyat region remained “critical” as heavy snowfall continued, with Nathiagali, Ayubia and Changla Gali receiving over three feet of snow in the last 16 hours, according to the state-run APP.
Snow clearing operations were underway and the situation was being closely monitored, officials said. Snowfall intensity remained high with an estimated 0.8 cm per hour.
Meanwhile, a third spell of snowfall, accompanied by intermittent rain, swept across Upper and Lower South Waziristan late Monday evening, intensifying the cold conditions and restricting mobility in high-altitude areas.
The snowfall caused a sharp drop in temperatures and raised concerns about road blockages, although it also brought relief to farmers after a prolonged dry spell.
Snow continued intermittently in the upper areas, while the lower and plain areas received steady rainfall. Residents reported icy roads, reduced visibility and difficulties with daily travel.
Authorities warned that continued snowfall could again cut off remote villages if clearing operations were delayed. The affected areas included Angoor Adda, Shakai, Khamrang, Raghzai, Zam Cheena, Margha Cheena, Kaniguram, Badar, Makeen and Ladha, along with the surrounding mountainous areas.
Just two days earlier, heavy snowfall in these localities had blocked at least 12 stretches of road, disrupting transport and delaying supplies of food and essential items.
From an agricultural perspective, farmers welcomed the rainfall, especially for wheat crops at a critical growth stage. Local growers said rainfall and snowfall improved soil moisture, fertility and groundwater recharge.
A farmer from Wana said rain and snow acted as natural irrigation that helps seeds germinate and improves fertilizer efficiency, ultimately increasing yields and income.
Officials from agriculture and irrigation departments said melting snow would replenish streams, springs and underground aquifers and help stabilize water levels after years of declining groundwater due to dry conditions and excessive use of tube wells.
Despite these advantages, snowfall continued to pose challenges in high elevations. Icy roads, fog and plummeting temperatures disrupted traffic, especially on narrow and steep routes.
District administrations advised residents to be cautious, avoid unnecessary travel and take precautionary measures against extreme cold, especially for children and the elderly.
Authorities said instructions had been issued to ensure timely road clearance and emergency response.
Landslides, power cuts
During the ongoing western system, rains in the plains and persistent snowfall in the upper reaches blocked connecting roads, paralyzing daily life across Upper Dir, Lower Dir and Chitral.
In Upper Dir’s Gwaldai area, a landslide stranded several vehicles carrying passengers, causing severe distress, while residents complained about the absence of government machinery.
In Upper Dir’s Sheringal Forest Colony, a pick-up vehicle skidded off a snow-covered road into a ravine, injuring three persons who were shifted to hospital.
In Peshawar and surrounding areas, 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 continued in upper and mountainous areas.
In Chitral, light snowfall resumed after a gap of four days. Snowfall continued in Lowari Tunnel area, Kalash valleys, Madaklasht and Garam Chashma, while Shandur, Laspur and Yarkhun in Upper Chitral also remained under snow.
Despite snowfall, traffic continued on Lowari Tunnel Road due to ongoing clearing operations, with authorities ordering motorists to use snow chains.
Snowfall intensified the cold conditions in Chitral, sharply increasing the demand for firewood. Residents reported shortages and rising prices, with sellers charging exorbitant prices.
In Swat’s Malam Jabba and upper areas, the snowfall that started overnight continued, while rain continued in the lower areas, including Mingora. Lower Dir also experienced 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 connecting roads. Snowfall also caused electricity poles to collapse in parts of Lower Dir, Upper Dir and Chitral, resulting in prolonged power cuts.
In Lower Dir, daily life remained severely disrupted and markets saw negligible activity.
Punjab
Meanwhile, cloudy weather, strong winds and intermittent rain with thundershowers were forecast for Lahore and several Punjab districts, while snowfall was expected in the upper reaches.
The Met Office and PDMA warned of intensifying cold and called for precautionary measures.
Rain with gusty winds and thundershowers 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 places may experience heavy downpours.
In Murree and Galiyat, intermittent rain and moderate to heavy snowfall was forecast. PDMA Punjab said snowfall had continued in Murree since last night, with 6 to 7 inches recorded so far, and warned of further rain and heavy snowfall in the next 24 hours, intensifying cold conditions.
The Met Office also forecast rain and snowfall with strong 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 parts of the country were likely to remain cold and dry on January 28, with severe cold in mountainous areas.
Light to moderate fog was expected during the night and morning hours in Punjab plains and upper Sindh. PDMA Punjab said its control room remained on high alert and urged citizens to contact helpline 1129 in case of emergency.
Tourists were advised to avoid unnecessary travel to Murree and snow-hit areas and exercise caution.
