Islamabad, January 15, 2026 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread rain and snowfall across most parts of the country, including Karachi, starting from January 16 as a westerly weather system approaches Pakistan.
According to the Met Office, a shallow westerly wave is likely to enter the upper regions on January 16 and persist until January 19. The system is expected to strengthen from January 20 and affect most parts of the country from January 21 onwards.
Under this weather pattern, rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms, along with light to moderate snowfall, is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as well as upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from January 16 (evening/night) to January 19 with intermittent breaks. Light rain and snowfall is also likely in Murree and the Galliyat region between January 18 and January 20.
From January 20 to January 23, widespread rain-wind and thunderstorm activity is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, the Potohar region, and several districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Heavy snowfall is likely in hilly areas, including Chitral, Swat, Kalam, Murree, Galliyat and Neelum Valley during this period.
The PMD further stated that Balochistan may experience rain and thunderstorms on January 21 and 22, with moderate to heavy snowfall in Quetta, Ziarat and surrounding areas. Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad and other districts, is expected to receive rain on January 22 and 23.
Advisory:
The Met Office warned that heavy snowfall could lead to road closures and slippery conditions in northern and western mountainous regions. There is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in hilly areas. Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain cautious. Fog conditions are likely to ease in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh, while daytime temperatures may drop significantly during the wet spell.