The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday urged provincial and regional disaster management bodies to remain vigilant and issue timely alerts as an approaching westerly wave is forecast to affect parts of the country in the coming days.
According to forecasts, the weather system will enter western Pakistan on the night of December 29, intensify on December 30, and grip most upper and central regions by December 31, persisting in northern areas until January 2, 2026.
Under its influence, heavy snowfall may cause road closures and slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli from December 30 to January 2.
Landslides and avalanches are also likely in hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Tourists have been advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable high-altitude areas. Meanwhile, fog conditions are expected to ease in central and southern Punjab as well as upper Sindh during the wet spell.
In view of the anticipated risks, NDMA has directed all Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and the ICT Administration to ensure preparedness, keep emergency teams on standby, and take proactive measures to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure.
NDMA said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation and coordinating with stakeholders for timely response and mitigation. The public has been advised to stay updated through the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application, particularly before planning travel to affected regions.
Director of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Muhammad Irfan Virk on Monday predicted light to moderate rain and snowfall in hilly areas during December 30 to January 2, accompanied by short breaks in fog and called on travelers to stay alert. Speaking to a local news channel, the PMD Director said seasonal winter rains will start entering Balochistan from today, adding, within the next 24 to 48 hours, light rainfall is expected to reach parts of Sindh.
The Director further predicted that by January 2, Islamabad and surrounding hilly areas will receive rainfall, while northern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) are likely to experience intermittent snowfall.
Responding to a query, he said that following these rains, the temperature is expected to drop by 2 to 3 degrees.
He added that fog may ease temporarily during the rainfall, but it is likely to become denser once the rains subside.
To another question, he mentioned that the snowfall in hilly areas is showing a declining trend when compared to the snowfall in previous years.
In concluding remarks, he said travelers, don not panic as light to moderate rain and snowfall are expected in hilly areas from Dec 30 to Jan 2. “Stay alert, plan ahead and enjoy the winter wonderland, adding, Keep an eye on weather updates and road conditions.”