The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather forecast predicting light rain in Karachi and other parts of Sindh, while heavy snowfall is expected across northern and hilly regions of the country. The upcoming weather pattern is likely to impact Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Balochistan, and Punjab, especially Murree and Galliyat.
Rain and Snowfall Forecast Across Pakistan
According to the PMD, a westerly weather system is expected to approach western Pakistan on the night of December 29, intensifying from December 30. The system will grip central and upper parts of the country on December 31, with snow continuing in hilly areas until January 2, 2026.
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Balochistan: Rain and thunderstorms with snowfalls are expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Zhob, Kalat, Barkhan, Sibi, Loralai, Musakhel, Turbat, Gawadar, Jiwani, Awaran, Chagi, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Washuk, and Kharan from December 29 to 31, with occasional breaks.
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Sindh: Light rain or drizzle is expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Thatta, Badin, and surrounding areas on December 30.
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): Moderate to heavy snow along with rain and thunderstorms is forecast for Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Bannu, Karak, D. I. Khan, Tank, and Kohat from December 30 to January 1.
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Gilgit-Baltistan & Kashmir: Rain, thunderstorms, and moderate snowfall are expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from December 30 to January 2.
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Punjab: Murree and Galliyat will experience snow and rain from December 30 to January 2, while isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Potohar, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Gujrat between December 31 and January 1. Cities like Mianwali, Bhakkar, Khushab, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Muzaffargarh, Jhang, and Sahiwal will see rain on December 31.
Safety Advisory and Travel Precautions
The PMD has warned about slippery roads and possible closures in hilly areas, including Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli during the forecast period.
Authorities also caution tourists and travelers to exercise extreme care and avoid unnecessary journeys, as landslides and avalanches may occur in northern hilly regions.
Additionally, fog conditions in central and southern Punjab as well as upper Sindh are expected to reduce, with daytime temperatures likely to fall further following the wet spell.
Summary
The coming week will see widespread rain in Sindh, with heavy snowfall in northern regions of Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Punjab’s Murree and Galliyat. Travelers should monitor weather updates and plan journeys accordingly to stay safe during this winter weather event.
