National Emergencies Operations Center (NEOC) of NDMA has issued a weather alert regarding an approaching westerly weather system expected to affect northern parts of Pakistan from 16 to 22 January 2026.
The system is likely to bring moderate to heavy snowfall, intermittent rain, and isolated thunderstorms across several northern and upper regions of the country.
According to the forecast, Gilgit-Baltistan including Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Astore, Ghanche, Nagar, and Ghizer; upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Chitral, Swat, Kumrat, Dir, Malam Jabba, Battagram, Shangla, Kohistan, Naran, Kaghan, Galiyat, and Murree; and Azad Jammu & Kashmir including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Hattian Bala, Rawalakot, Bagh, Haveli, and Poonch—are likely to experience snowfall during the alert period, with intermittent rainfall and isolated thunderstorms in some areas.
The expected snowfall may result in slippery road conditions, temporary road closures, and reduced visibility, particularly in high-altitude and mountainous regions. There is an increased risk of snow slides, avalanches, and landslides at vulnerable locations, posing threats to commuters, local communities, and infrastructure. Power supply disruptions may also occur due to harsh weather conditions. Extremely cold temperatures combined with snowfall could increase the risk of frostbite and other cold-related health issues, especially among children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Additionally, widespread rainfall is expected over Pothohar and northeastern Punjab, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Mianwali, Chakwal, Sargodha, Khushab, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Sialkot, Lahore, Narowal, Hafizabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan, along with adjoining areas, from 20 to 23 January 2026. Isolated rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Nushki, Kharan, Barkhan, Sibi, Loralai, Musakhel, Turbat, Gwadar, Lasbela, Kech, Awaran, Chagai, Panjgur, and Khuzdar, from 21 to 22 January 2026. Isolated rainfall is also likely in Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, Mirpurkhas, and Sukkur, from 22 to 23 January 2026.
In view of the expected weather conditions, NDMA advises the public to avoid travel to high mountain passes and snowfall-prone areas unless absolutely necessary and to ensure the use of snow chains where travel cannot be avoided. Citizens are urged to wear warm clothing, make adequate heating arrangements, and keep infants and elderly individuals indoors during extreme cold hours.
NDMA has directed all provincial and district disaster management authorities to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness for snow clearance operations, emergency response, and timely restoration of essential services, including electricity and communication networks. NEOC will continue to closely monitor the situation and issue further updates as required.