Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Travel in KP and GB

Severe cold weather continued to grip the upper areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday, as heavy rain and snowfall disrupted road connectivity, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

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

Intermittent rain and snowfall were reported in Upper and Lower Dir, with up to one foot of snow accumulating in parts of Kumrat Valley, Jaaz Banda, and along the Lowari Tunnel route. Authorities advised caution due to slippery roads.

Cold conditions intensified across the Galiyat region, where heavy rain and snowfall continued for the second consecutive day. Nathiagali, Ayubia, and Dungagali received significant precipitation, while light rain in Abbottabad further lowered temperatures.

The Director General Galiyat urged residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel as more snowfall is expected in Galiyat, Nathiagali, and Thandiani.

In Kaghan Valley, snowfall persisted in Naran, Babusar Top, and Lake Saif-ul-Malook. Naran received around six inches of snow, while more than one foot accumulated at Babusar Top, affecting travel.

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

Meanwhile, a weak rain system affected parts of Punjab, bringing isolated showers before clearing. Lahore remained cloudy without rainfall, while fog during morning and night hours reduced visibility on several motorways.

Temperatures in Lahore are expected to range between 9°C and 18°C. Another rain system may affect the province between December 27 and 31.

Most areas of Balochistan remained cold and dry. Minimum temperatures dropped to -2°C in Quetta, -4°C in Ziarat and Qalat, and 0°C in Zhob, while coastal areas recorded milder conditions, including 11°C in Gwadar and 12°C in Jiwani.

Authorities across northern regions continue to advise caution amid ongoing cold weather and snowfall.