Fresh snowfall transforms Quetta’s rugged terrain into a stark winter landscape, with travelers moving along a snow-lined road. Photo: NNI
ISLAMABAD:
A powerful westerly weather system has tightened its grip on Pakistan, plunging temperatures below freezing in many northern areas, causing widespread snow, rain and landslides, blocking roads, disrupting electricity supplies and paralyzing daily life in several mountainous districts.
At the same time, 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 plunged 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 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 risks of landslides and avalanches in the upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
Intermittent rains, strong winds and thunderstorms were forecast in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, with isolated areas expected to receive heavy rains and moderate to heavy snowfall.
Lower Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, northeast Punjab and northern Balochistan were expected to experience cloudy weather with isolated rains and thunderstorms, while cold and dry conditions were expected elsewhere. The system is expected to persist until January 28.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Patrol (NHMP) said it was actively ensuring traffic flow despite the heavy snowfall. On the E-35 Hazara Highway, officials remained busy clearing snow and helping commuters, while heavy machinery was deployed on the Murree Highway to keep the 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
Meanwhile, conditions in the Galiyat area of Abbottabad remained “critical” as heavy snowfall continued, with Nathiagali, Ayubia and Changla Gali receiving more than a meter of snow in the last 16 hours, according to the APP.
Snow removal operations were underway and the situation was closely monitored, officials said. The intensity of snowfall remained high, estimated at 0.8 cm per hour.
Meanwhile, a third wave of snowfall, accompanied by intermittent rains, swept across upper and lower South Waziristan on Monday evening, intensifying cold conditions and limiting mobility in high-altitude areas.
The snowfall caused a sharp drop in temperatures and raised concerns about road blockages, but it also brought relief to farmers after a prolonged dry spell.
Snow continued intermittently in the upper reaches while the lower areas and plains received constant rain. Residents reported icy roads, reduced visibility and difficulty getting around every day.
Authorities have warned that continued snowfall could once again isolate remote villages if mine clearance operations are delayed. The affected areas included Angoor Adda, Shakai, Khamrang, Raghzai, Zam Cheena, Margha Cheena, Kaniguram, Badar, Makeen and Ladha, as well as the surrounding mountainous areas.
Two days earlier, heavy snowfall in these localities blocked at least 12 road sections, disrupting transport and delaying the supply of food and essential goods.
From an agricultural perspective, farmers welcomed the rainfall, especially for wheat crops at a critical stage of their growth. 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, helping seeds germinate and improving the effectiveness of fertilizers, thereby increasing yields and income.
Officials from the agriculture and irrigation departments said melting snow would replenish streams, springs and underground aquifers, helping stabilize water levels after years of declining groundwater due to dry conditions and overuse of tube wells.
Despite these benefits, snowfall continued to pose problems in higher areas. Icy roads, fog and plummeting temperatures disrupted traffic, especially on narrow and steep routes.
The district administrations have advised residents to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel and take preventive measures against extreme cold, especially for children and the elderly.
Authorities said instructions have been issued to ensure timely road clearance and emergency preparedness.
Landslides, power outages
Under the current westerly system, rain in the plains and persistent snowfall in the upper areas have blocked connecting roads, paralyzing daily life in Upper Dir, Lower Dir and Chitral.
In the Gwaldai area of Upper Dir, a landslide stranded several vehicles with passengers, causing serious difficulties, while residents complained about the absence of government apparatus.
In Sheringal Forest Colony in Upper Dir, a van skidded on a snow-covered road into a ravine, injuring three people who were shifted to hospital.
In and around Peshawar, the rain that started last night stopped briefly in the morning but resumed later, intensifying the cold. Rains continued intermittently in the plains of KP, while the third period of snowfall persisted in the 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 on the Lowari Tunnel Road continued due to ongoing mine clearance operations, with authorities ordering motorists to use snow chains.
Snowfall has intensified cold conditions in Chitral, sharply increasing the demand for firewood. Residents have reported shortages and rising prices, with sellers charging inflated rates.
In Malam Jabba and upper areas of Swat, snowfall that started overnight continued, while rain persisted in lower areas including Mingora. The Lower Dir also witnessed rains in urban areas and heavy snowfall in upper regions.
Heavy snowfall of several meters 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, leading to prolonged power outages.
In Lower Dir, daily life remained significantly disrupted, with markets experiencing negligible activity.
Punjab
Meanwhile, cloudy weather, strong winds and intermittent rains accompanied by thunderstorms were forecast for Lahore and several districts of Punjab, while snowfall was expected in upper areas.
The Met Office and PDMA have warned of intensifying cold weather and called for precautionary measures.
Rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms was 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 may experience heavy downpours.
In Murree and Galiyat, intermittent rain and moderate to heavy snowfall were forecast. PDMA Punjab said snowfall continued in Murree since last night, with 6-7 inches recorded so far, and warned of further rain and heavy snowfall in the next 24 hours, intensifying the cold conditions.
The Met Office also forecasts rain and snow 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 parts of the country were likely to remain cold and dry on January 28, with intense 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 remained on alert and urged citizens to contact helpline 1129 in case of emergency.
Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to Murree and snow-covered areas and exercise caution.
