Northern and mountainous areas of Pakistan are facing freezing temperatures as a westerly wave continues to affect the region, the National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC) reported on Monday. The system is expected to persist until tomorrow, bringing further snowfall and icy conditions.
Read More: Heavy snow, thunderstorms grip Pakistan
Temperatures dropped below freezing in several locations, with Malam Jabba, Parachinar, and Gupis recording -7°C, Bagrote -6°C, Kalam and Rawalakot -5°C, and Murree and Skardu -3°C. Quetta saw a low of -1°C. NWFC warned that snowfall could cause road closures, slippery conditions, and landslides in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Tourists and travelers were advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
موٹروے پولیس کے افسران مری ایکسپریس وے پر ٹریفک کی روانی برقرار رکھنے اور عوام کو بروقت مدد کی فراہمی کے لیے سرگرمِ عمل ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/WdSJ1VKh1j
— National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) (@NHMPofficial) January 27, 2026
Intermittent rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds were predicted in upper KP, AJK, and GB, with heavy rain and moderate to heavy snow at isolated locations. Lower KP, northeastern Punjab, and northern Balochistan were expected to experience cloudy weather with isolated rain and wind. Cold and dry conditions will persist in other parts of the country.
The National Highways and Motorways Police (NHMP) have been working to ensure traffic flow amid heavy snow, clearing roads on the E-35 Hazara Expressway and Murree Expressway.
موٹروے پولیس کے افسران E-35 ہزارہ ایکسپریس وے پر ٹریفک کی روانی برقرار رکھنے اور عوام کو بروقت مدد یقینی بنانے کے لیے سرگرمِ عمل ! pic.twitter.com/Ncxj36YIA1
— National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) (@NHMPofficial) January 27, 2026
Meanwhile, South Waziristan experienced its third major snowfall of the season, accompanied by intermittent rain. While snowfall has restricted mobility and caused temporary road blockages, farmers welcomed the precipitation for replenishing soil moisture and groundwater, improving crop prospects for wheat and other crops.
Read More: Cold wave tightens grip across Pakistan
Authorities urged residents in remote and elevated areas to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and take preventive measures against extreme cold, especially for children and the elderly. District administrations have directed timely road clearance operations and emergency preparedness in response to the ongoing winter weather.