Pakistan is set to experience a significant spell of winter weather as a fresh system approaches, bringing rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall to large parts of the country over the coming days. According to the latest forecast, changing weather conditions will begin in northern areas before spreading to central and southern regions.
A westerly weather system is expected to enter the upper parts of Pakistan from the evening of 16 January. Initially mild, it is likely to intensify after a few days and affect wider areas, resulting in unsettled conditions through the third week of the month.
Northern Areas to See Snow and Rain First
From 16 to 19 January, rain accompanied by gusty winds and snowfall is expected across Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. Mountain districts including Astore, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Rawalakot may receive light to moderate snow, especially during nighttime. Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa areas such as Chitral, Swat, Kalam, Dir, Shangla, and Kohistan are also likely to see snowfall during this period.
Popular hill stations like Murree and the Galiyat may receive light rain or snow between 18 and 20 January, which could affect travel and tourism.
Rain Expands to Central Punjab and KP
As the system strengthens, widespread rain and thunderstorms are forecast from 20 to 23 January across Islamabad, the Potohar region, and much of Punjab. Cities and divisions including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan are likely to experience wet weather with occasional breaks.
At the same time, several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—such as Peshawar, Mardan, Malakand, Hazara, Kohat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan—can expect rain and thunderstorms, increasing the chance of localised flooding in low-lying areas.
Heavy Snowfall Warning for Hilly Regions
From the night of 20 January to 23 January, heavy snowfall is expected in higher elevations of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and northern Punjab. Areas including Chitral, Swat, Kalam, Murree, Galiyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, and Haveli may face road closures and travel disruptions due to snow accumulation.
Balochistan and Sindh Also to Be Affected
Rain and thunderstorms are forecast in many parts of Balochistan on 21 and 22 January. Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Zhob, Kalat, and surrounding districts may also receive moderate to heavy snowfall in hilly zones.
Sindh is expected to receive rainfall later in the system’s cycle, with Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, and nearby districts likely to see rain between 22 and 23 January.
Public Advisory
Residents in mountainous and northern regions are advised to remain cautious, as snowfall may disrupt road travel and daily routines. Farmers and commuters should stay updated with local advisories, while tourists planning trips to hill stations should expect delays and changing conditions.
This weather spell marks one of the more active winter systems of the season and is expected to bring both relief and challenges across different regions of Pakistan.
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