Heavy rain and snowfall disrupt life across Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Continuous rainfall in plains and persistent snowfall in northern regions, triggered by the latest western weather system, has paralyzed normal life across Pakistan, blocked key roads, and pushed temperatures further down, authorities reported on January 27.
In Dera Bala, a landslide at Gowaldi trapped multiple vehicles along with passengers, causing severe difficulties, while local authorities’ response remained limited.
At Shreen-Gul Forest Colony, a field vehicle slid into a ravine due to heavy snowfall, injuring three people, who were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
In Peshawar and surrounding areas, intermittent rainfall that began on January 26 paused briefly but resumed later, intensifying the cold.
Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s plains experienced rainfall overnight, while upper and mountainous regions are witnessing the third spell of winter snowfall.
Chitral recorded light snowfall again, following a previous snowfall four days ago. Areas including Lowari Tunnel, Kalash Valleys, Midak Lasht, Garm Chashma, Shandur, Laspur, and Yarkhun have all received snow since last night. Authorities advised vehicles traveling through Lowari Tunnel to use snow chains, and traffic was being maintained with snow clearance operations.
Snowfall has intensified the cold in Chitral, raising demand for firewood and causing scarcity and rising prices in local markets.
In Swat, popular tourist destination Malam Jabba and upper areas are experiencing ongoing snowfall since last night, while plains including Mingora continue to see intermittent rain. Snow in mountainous areas has significantly intensified the chill.
Lower Dir, Upper Dir, and Chitral are facing ongoing rainfall and heavy snowfall in upper regions. Snow accumulation in areas like Kamrat Valley, Jahaz Banda, Badgoi, Lowari Tunnel, Kalpani, Shahi Ban Shahi, Lajbuk, Ashirei, Darra Tor, Mang Darra, and Ladrum has reached several feet, with road closures disrupting connectivity.
The snowfall and rain have also caused power outages in various areas due to fallen electricity poles. Life in Lower Dir has been severely affected, with markets reporting minimal activity.
Punjab and Upper Sindh
In Punjab, including Lahore, cloudy weather with intermittent rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms is expected, while upper regions may experience rain mixed with snowfall. Meteorological authorities have warned of intensifying cold and advised citizens to take precautions.
Rain is forecast in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Attock, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, and Kasur, with potential thunderstorms in some areas. Other districts, including Sheikhupura, Gujrat, and Gujranwala, are likely to remain cloudy with chances of rain.
Murree, Galiyat, and surrounding areas are expected to see intermittent rain and moderate to heavy snowfall. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, 6–7 inches of snow has already been recorded in Murree, with further snow and rainfall expected over the next 24 hours, further lowering temperatures.
The Meteorological Department has also issued alerts for upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, forecasting rain and snow with strong winds and thunderstorms. Moderate to heavy snowfall is expected in some locations. Other areas of the country are likely to remain cold and dry, with extreme cold in hilly regions on January 28.
In Punjab’s plains and upper Sindh, light to moderate fog is expected during early morning and nighttime hours. PDMA Punjab has advised continuous monitoring of the situation and instructed citizens to report emergencies through the helpline 1129. Tourists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel to Murree and other snow-covered areas and exercise caution.