A cold wave swept across large parts of Pakistan on Thursday after widespread rain and snowfall affected almost all regions, prompting authorities to issue precautionary advisories.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rain and heavy snowfall hit all provinces as well as northern areas, while the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) urged citizens to take safety measures.
Heavy rain and snowfall were recorded in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galiyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, and Rawalakot.
In Punjab, intermittent rain and thunderstorms affected major cities including Rawalpindi and Lahore, while Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced widespread rain and snowfall across most districts.
Sindh also saw colder conditions, with light rain reported in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana.
The PMD said a strong westerly wave is influencing most parts of the country and is likely to persist in upper regions.
Rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall over hilly areas are forecast for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, and upper and central Punjab, with moderate to heavy snowfall expected at higher elevations.
On Friday, similar weather is expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeastern Punjab, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, while cold and dry conditions are likely elsewhere.
Over the past 24 hours, significant rainfall was recorded in Parachinar (88mm), Khuzdar (12mm), Jacobabad and Sukkur (10mm each), and Bhakkar (9mm). Snowfall of up to two inches was reported in Kalam, Quetta, and Parachinar.
The coldest temperatures were recorded in Leh (-11°C), Gupis, Skardu, Bagrote, and Parachinar (-5°C), and Kalam (-4°C).
The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) issued a weather alert, advising people to avoid non-essential travel to snowfall-prone areas and to use snow chains where travel is unavoidable.
Citizens were urged to ensure proper heating, warm clothing, and shelter, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The NDMA also directed provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure readiness for snow clearance, emergency response, and restoration of essential services.
