Islamabad, January 21, 2026 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday issued a heavy snowfall alert for upper and mountainous regions of the country, warning of severe winter conditions from January 22, 2026 onward. The advisory has been issued to inform the public, tourists, and relevant authorities about possible disruptions due to intense weather activity.
According to the PMD, heavy snowfall may lead to road closures, slippery conditions, and travel disruptions in several areas of Balochistan, including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noushki, Harnai, and Zhob on January 22. Meanwhile, widespread snowfall is expected on January 22 and 23 in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, covering Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli.
The department further cautioned about the risk of landslides and avalanches in hilly regions of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during the forecast period. Tourists have been strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain extra cautious.
The PMD said the weather system is being driven by a strong westerly wave entering western parts of the country, expected to affect most regions from Thursday. Widespread rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall over hills are forecast across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Islamabad, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, while extremely cold conditions continue to prevail in northern areas.