Pakistan is entering a significant winter weather phase. The Pakistan Meteorological Department PMD has forecast that a westerly weather system will enter the upper parts of the country from 16th January 2026 and will continue affecting weather until 19th January. This system is expected to strengthen from 20th January and cover most parts of the country by 21st to 23rd January. Widespread rain wind thunderstorms and light to moderate snowfall are expected across many regions affecting both plains and mountainous areas.
Northern and High Altitude Areas Forecast
In northern and high altitude areas such as Gilgit Baltistan Azad Jammu and Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rain wind and light to moderate snowfall are expected from 16th to 19th January. Regions like Murree the Galliyat Swat Chitral and Neelum Valley may experience intermittent rain and snow early on with heavier snowfall expected from 20th January. Heavy snow is forecast in Chitral Swat Kalam Murree and adjacent northern belts between 21st and 23rd January which could lead to slippery roads reduced visibility and temporary road closures.
Plains and Central Regions Forecast
From 20th to 23rd January the plains and central regions including Islamabad the Potohar Plateau and major Punjab cities like Lahore Faisalabad Multan and Bahawalpur are likely to experience widespread rain with wind and thunderstorms. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cities such as Peshawar Mardan and Hazara divisions will also see rainfall and thunderstorms during this period.
Southern and Coastal Areas Forecast
In Sindh including cities like Karachi and Hyderabad rain and strong winds are expected on 22nd to 23rd January. Balochistan including areas such as Quetta Ziarat and Pishin may also receive rain and snow around the same period. These conditions could lead to localized waterlogging wind hazards and travel disruptions in affected areas.
NDMA Cold Wave Alert
The National Disaster Management Authority NDMA has issued a cold wave alert for northern and upper regions warning of very cold to extremely cold nighttime and early morning temperatures. The alert emphasizes risks of road disruptions frost snow slides avalanches and hazards to livestock and advises travelers to avoid non essential journeys in high altitude and snowfall prone areas.
Temperature Drop and Winter Chill
Temperatures are expected to drop significantly across Pakistan during this period. The combination of wet weather and low temperatures increases the risk of fog in central regions while winter chill will persist in most areas. Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts prepare for difficult travel conditions and take precautions against cold and wet weather.
