Northern Pakistan is preparing for the first significant winter spell of the season, with rain and snowfall expected across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on 4 and 5 December. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has placed all relevant departments on high alert as temperatures drop and weather conditions turn severe.
Intensifying Winter in Northern Pakistan
Meteorologists say that winter has started to gain strength in Pakistan’s upper regions. Cold winds moving from the north will bring intermittent rain to several KP districts. Higher elevations could experience fresh snowfall, marking the season’s first major accumulation.
The weather system will last for two days. Despite its short duration, it could disrupt daily life, especially in remote mountainous areas where even light snow can block roads.
Districts Most Likely to Feel the Impact
The PMD predicts rainfall and snow in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Mansehra, and Abbottabad. These hilly districts sit at higher altitudes where roads freeze quickly, and even small snowfalls can slow transportation and affect village access.
These areas also include popular tourist destinations. Swat’s Malam Jabba and Gabin Jabba, along with Abbottabad’s Galiyat region, attract visitors seeking early snow. Authorities warn that high tourist traffic during unstable weather can complicate rescue operations.
In the plains, cities such as Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Khyber, Kurram, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan may receive rainfall. Even moderate rain can cause localised flooding in older neighbourhoods with poor drainage, affecting traffic and daily routines.
Potential Hazards and Safety Measures
Officials warn that rain and snow in hilly areas will make roads slippery. Drivers may face reduced visibility on winding roads, increasing the risk of accidents. Tourists travelling to northern valleys should drive carefully and check road conditions before departure.
Strong winds may accompany the rain, threatening fragile buildings, electricity poles, and large billboards. Open-area solar panels also face potential damage. Pakistan has previously experienced infrastructure damage during winter storms, leading to power outages and communication disruptions.
Residents in Dir and Swat have already reported hail, while parts of Islamabad and northern Punjab have seen rainfall, signalling the onset of colder weather.
Government Readiness and Actions
The PDMA has instructed district administrations to clear drainage channels immediately to prevent water accumulation. Rescue 1122 teams will operate along major tourist routes, particularly on narrow mountain roads that can become dangerous after snowfall. These teams will assist stranded vehicles, provide first aid, and respond to emergencies quickly.
Local authorities will provide frequent updates through radio, social media, and district control rooms. They urge residents to stay informed and follow official guidance.
Public Advisory for Travel and Safety
Officials advise avoiding unnecessary travel during the next two days. Essential travellers should prepare vehicles for steep terrain, carry warm clothing, and drive cautiously. Residents in rural mountainous areas should store essential supplies in case heavy snow temporarily blocks access roads.
People should monitor PMD forecasts and contact emergency services immediately if landslides, flash floods, or power hazards occur, especially in areas like Islamabad and Punjab, which are currently under a severe rain alert.
Signaling the Arrival of Winter
This two-day weather system will mark a clear transition into winter across KP. While moderate in intensity, it reminds both residents and authorities to prepare for colder and wetter conditions. With timely precautions, officials aim to minimize accidents and infrastructure damage as winter sets in.
