Pakistan Issues Snowfall Advisory for Tourist Spots

Pakistan Issues Snowfall Advisory for Tourist Spots

Islamabad, January 19, 2025 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a snowfall advisory for tourists planning to visit major hilly destinations. The advisory warns of moderate to heavy snowfall from Sunday night onward, which may lead to road closures and slippery conditions in various areas.

Key regions likely to be affected include Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Naran, Kaghan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.

The PMD highlighted that rainfall could exacerbate flash flooding risks in areas such as Chagai, Nushki, Kharan, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, and Quetta. Additionally, landslides and avalanches remain a significant possibility in the hilly regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during the forecast period. Snowfall is expected to disrupt normal travel, urging visitors to exercise caution and adhere to local safety guidelines.

Synoptic Situation

A westerly weather system is currently affecting the western and upper parts of the country. This system is expected to persist in upper regions for the next two days, bringing widespread precipitation and snowfall to hilly areas.

Sunday: Rain accompanied by windstorms and snowfall over the hills is expected in North and Northwest Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, and the Potohar region. Meanwhile, cold and dry weather will prevail in other parts of the country. Moderate to dense fog is likely to persist in patches across most districts of Punjab and upper Sindh.

Monday: The weather conditions will largely remain the same, with rain and snowfall continuing in hilly areas. Cold and dry weather is expected elsewhere, and fog will persist in low-lying areas of Punjab and Sindh.

Recent Weather Observations

During the past 24 hours, cold and partly cloudy weather prevailed across most parts of Pakistan. Rain and thunderstorms occurred in isolated locations in Balochistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Moderate to dense fog blanketed large portions of Punjab and upper Sindh.

Rainfall (mm): Dalbandin (24), Pishin (17), Jiwani (13), Quetta City (13), Samungli (10), Gwadar (9), Turbat (8), Nokkundi (7), Kalat (4), Panjgur (1).

Snowfall (inches): Ziarat (2), Quetta (1), Astore and Malam Jabba (trace).

Minimum Temperatures

The lowest recorded temperatures for the day were Leh (-9°C), Gupis (-6°C), Skardu (-4°C), Malam Jabba (-4°C), Astore (-3°C), Hunza (-3°C), and Parachinar (-3°C). These frigid conditions further heighten the possibility of snowfall in vulnerable areas.

Advisory for Tourists

Tourists are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions when traveling to snow-affected regions. The snowfall could create picturesque landscapes in these areas, but it also poses safety risks, particularly due to icy roads and potential avalanches. Travelers should equip their vehicles with appropriate gear and heed instructions from local authorities. Additionally, visitors should plan their trips to avoid any disruptions caused by snowfall.