Rain and Snowfall Expected Across Pakistan. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a nationwide weather alert, warning of rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall in several regions from January 19 to January 23, 2026. The advisory urges citizens to remain cautious, especially in northern and mountainous areas.
Balochistan
A western disturbance will enter Balochistan on January 19, bringing rain, gusty winds, and thunderstorms. Snowfall is likely in hilly areas. Affected districts include Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Zhob, Turbat, Gwadar, Lasbella, Kech, and Khuzdar. The system is expected to remain active from the evening of January 19 to January 20.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Rain and wind, with moderate snowfall in upper regions, are forecast from the night of January 20 to January 22. Areas likely to be affected include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Nowshera, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Kohat.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir
PMD predicts heavy snowfall and thunderstorms from the night of January 20 to the morning of January 23. In Gilgit-Baltistan, expected areas include Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Astore, Ghizer, and Diamir. In Azad Kashmir, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Mirpur, and Bhimber may also receive heavy snow and rain.
Punjab and Islamabad
Rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, the Potohar region, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Noorpur Thal, and Layyah from the evening of January 20 to January 21. Snowfall is likely in Murree and Galiyat during the night of January 20. Other cities, including Sargodha, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan, may experience cloudy weather with light drizzle.
Sindh
Most parts of Sindh are expected to remain partly cloudy to cloudy on January 19 and 20, with no major weather system forecast.
Public Advisory
PMD has advised citizens to take precautions while traveling, particularly in northern and mountainous regions. Authorities recommend avoiding unnecessary travel during snowfall and thunderstorms and staying updated through official PMD weather bulletins for local changes.
Conclusion
The PMD alert highlights a multi-day spell of rain and snowfall across Pakistan, with higher risks in northern and western regions. Residents are advised to remain alert, plan travel carefully, and follow official weather updates during the period.
