NDMA Issues Cold Wave and Snowfall Advisory Across Pakistan; Warns of Road Closures, Landslides, and Travel Risks

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a comprehensive weather advisory warning of an incoming cold wave and wet spell expected to impact large parts of Pakistan. The advisory urges all relevant authorities to ensure full preparedness and take precautionary measures to safeguard lives, property, and infrastructure.

According to the NDMA, a westerly weather system is expected to enter western Pakistan from December 29, bringing rain and snowfall starting tonight and continuing until January 2. The system is likely to affect most upper and central regions by December 31, with heavy precipitation persisting in high-altitude areas until the morning of January 2.

The authority highlighted that areas such as Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galiyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli may experience heavy snowfall, potentially leading to road closures and slippery conditions. Residents and travelers are also warned of the increased risk of landslides and avalanches in hilly regions of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

NDMA specifically advised tourists and local travelers to avoid unnecessary travel to high-altitude and vulnerable areas during this period. The advisory also forecasts dense fog in central and southern Punjab and Sindh, which may reduce visibility and disrupt road transportation.

Provincial disaster management authorities, including those in Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, and Islamabad, have been instructed to keep emergency teams on high alert, issue timely public warnings, and implement proactive measures to protect communities and critical infrastructure. NDMA confirmed it is closely monitoring the evolving situation.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also warned of rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall in hilly regions throughout the coming week. PMD forecasts that daytime temperatures will drop further, particularly after the westerly system passes, intensifying cold conditions across affected areas.