Bold warning: a weekend of rain and snow is on the way, reshaping plans for many popular Pakistani destinations. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts a shallow western disturbance approaching from the west that will bring light to moderate rainfall in the plains and snowfall in the hills from December 13 to 15. This system is expected to impact renowned tourist spots across several provinces, offering winter scenery and potential travel disruptions.
Snowfall and rain by region:
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Upper Region): Snow on the hills and accompanying rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Buner, creating dramatic winter landscapes.
- Gilgit-Baltistan: Areas including Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar are expected to see snow and rain, which could make these high-altitude spots especially appealing for winter sightseeing.
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, and Haveli may experience hillside snowfall along with intermittent rain, delivering picture-perfect winter vistas.
- Merged Districts / Southern KP: Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, and Waziristan could encounter light snow and rain on December 14 and 15.
- Balochistan: Snowfall is anticipated in Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, and Noshki, adding a wintry charm to the province’s tourist sites.
- Islamabad, Rawalpindi & Upper Punjab: The plains may see drizzle, while Murree and the Galiyat area are likely to experience light snow and rain, making them attractive for weekend visitors.
Tourist safety advisory
The PMD cautions that snowfall can make roads slippery and may trigger temporary closures in mountainous destinations such as Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Quetta, Ziarat, and Chaman. Landslide risk remains a concern in vulnerable zones across upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Travelers should plan for slower travel, carry essentials, and stay informed about road conditions.
Additional weather alerts
From December 12 to 16, dense fog is forecast to blanket plains of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh, reducing highway visibility and potentially delaying trips.
Looking ahead
A subsequent western disturbance is expected to affect western and northern Pakistan from December 19, with potential further snowfall in high-altitude tourist regions. Plan with flexibility and monitor PMD updates for the latest conditions.
Question for readers
How would you adjust a winter itinerary to account for snowy mountain roads and possible closures—prefer safer routes with shorter drives, or embrace the adventure of navigating challenging terrain for spectacular scenery? Share your approach and experiences in the comments.
