Cold wave intensifies as snow blankets KP, Gilgit-Baltistan

Another rain system expected to enter from Dec 27 to 31, potentially bringing rain to some districts of Punjab

Upper areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan continued to experience severe cold on Monday as heavy rain and snowfall disrupted road connectivity, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said.

In Peshawar and surrounding areas, rainfall lowered temperatures to around 11°C, with cloudy conditions expected to persist over the next 24 hours.

Intermittent rain and snowfall continued in Upper and Lower Dir, with up to one foot of snow reported in parts of Kumrat Valley, Jaaz Banda and along the Lowari Tunnel route.

Shahi, Lower Dir

Kumrat

Cold conditions intensified across the Galiyat region, where heavy rain and snowfall were reported for a second consecutive day. Authorities advised residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel due to the likelihood of further snowfall.

Light rain in Abbottabad further lowered temperatures, while Nathiagali, Ayubia and Dungagali continued to receive heavy precipitation.

Lowari Tunnel

The Director General of Galiyat has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel in mountainous areas, as new snowfall is expected in Nathiagali, Galiyat, and Thandiani, with heavy rain likely in urban areas.

Snowfall also continued in the upper reaches of Kaghan Valley, including Naran, Babusar Top and Lake Saif-ul-Malook. Naran received around six inches of snow, while more than a foot accumulated at Babusar Top.

Kumrat

In Balakot and surrounding areas, intermittent rain cleared dust and improved visibility, though cold conditions persisted.

Read: Winter's first rain breaks dry spell in Quetta

In Gilgit-Baltistan, the season’s first snowfall was reported in Yasin and Upper Gurez, covering roads and disrupting travel. Authorities urged residents to avoid non-essential movement as snowfall is expected to continue.

In Punjab, a weak rain-bearing system brought isolated showers before clearing. Lahore saw cloudy conditions without rainfall. Another system is expected between December 27 and 31, potentially bringing rain to Lahore and other districts.

Morning and night fog continued to affect visibility across parts of Punjab, leading to temporary closures of sections of motorways. Temperatures in Lahore are expected to range between 9°C and 18°C.

Most districts in Balochistan remained cold and dry. Minimum temperatures recorded included -2°C in Quetta, -4°C in Ziarat and Qalat, and 0°C in Zhob. Coastal areas recorded milder temperatures, with 11°C in Gwadar and 12°C in Jiwani.