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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that above-normal temperatures in northern Pakistan could accelerate glacial melt and heighten the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in vulnerable mountain communities. In its latest assessment, the Met Office reported that rainfall and snowfall across northern regions remained below normal during the winter season, in line with its earlier seasonal forecast. Persistent clear skies and stable atmospheric conditions during the first three weeks of February have driven temperatures significantly higher than average across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). From February 1 to 22, daytime temperatures were recorded 3&ndash;5&deg;C above normal, while nighttime temperatures remained 1&ndash;3.5&deg;C higher than the 1981&ndash;2010 climatological average. The highest warming was observed in Gilgit and Bunji. Chilas and Bunji also experienced notable increases in minimum temperatures, limiting overnight refreezing, a key natural process that helps stabilize snowpacks and glaciers. According to the PMD, sustained above-normal temperatures are accelerating snow and glacial melt, particularly at mid-to-lower altitudes. Reduced nighttime cooling is further increasing meltwater runoff into glacial lakes. Rapid melting contributes to rising water levels in moraine-and glacier-dammed lakes, increasing the likelihood of GLOF events in downstream valleys. The department&rsquo;s February&ndash;April 2026 outlook indicates a high probability of continued above-normal temperatures across northern Pakistan, including GB and Kashmir. If the warming trend persists, authorities fear an elevated risk of GLOFs in districts such as Gilgit, Ghizar, Hunza, Bunji, Chilas and Astore. The PMD said it is closely monitoring temperature trends, glacier melt conditions and other hydrometeorological indicators and will issue advisories to relevant authorities and local communities as needed. Temperature data collected between February 1 and 22 showed average readings of 4.7&deg;C in Gilgit, 4.5&deg;C in Bunji and 4.3&deg;C in Astore. Chilas recorded an average of 4.1&deg;C, while Gupis and Skardu each recorded 3.1&deg;C, the Met Office said Minimum temperatures remained well above historical norms across most stations. Environmentalists in the region say the warming trend reflects a broader shift in snowfall patterns over the past three years. Snowfall has increasingly been delayed until mid-January or February, with overall accumulation declining. According to GBEPA data, the average temperature in GB rose by approximately 0.6&deg;C between 1987 and 2013. In recent years, the region has witnessed an increase in flash floods, accelerated glacial melt and climate-linked disasters. Last summer, rapidly melting glaciers, GLOFs and cloudburst incidents caused widespread damage across parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, underscoring the growing vulnerability of mountain communities to climate change. With another warmer-than-normal season forecast, experts warn that residents living downstream of rivers and glacial lakes may face heightened risks in the months ahead.

Climate & Environment

The Met Office reports that rainfall and snowfall across northern regions remained below normal during the winter season, in line with its earlier seasonal forecast. Persistent clear skies and stable atmospheric conditions during the first three weeks of February have driven temperatures significantly higher than average across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). 

Met Office warns of rising GLOF risk as temperatures surge in Gilgit-Baltistan

<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is experiencing one of its most challenging winter spells on Tuesday as a powerful westerly weather system continues to unleash heavy rain and ongoing snowfall across northern, northwestern, and mountainous regions, triggering large-scale military and civilian rescue operations while authorities brace for more severe weather ahead. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC) in its daily forecast said that &ldquo;a westerly wave is affecting the upper parts of the country and likely to persist in northern parts till tomorrow.&rdquo; <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to NWFC, the upper parts of the country, including Malam Jabba, Parachinar, and Gupis, saw temperatures dip to -7&deg;C, Bagrote at -6&deg;C, followed closely by Kalam and Rawalakot at -5&deg;C, while the temperature in Muree and Skardu remained -3&deg;C, followed by -1&deg;C in Quetta. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Balochistan is also expected to remain under heavy rain and snowfall until January 27, with moderate rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast &ldquo;heavy snowfall, road closure/ slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noushki, Harnai and Zhob from 26th to 27th January.&rdquo; The advisory highlights the possibility of landslides and avalanches in hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during the period. National Highways and Motorways Police also shared a series of posts on the social media platform X, highlighting how the motorway police were &ldquo;engaged in ensuring smooth flow of traffic&rdquo; amid heavy snowfall in the upper parts of the country.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 549.991px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2016011585396080883&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=6156b2fea1c886033d3c306b66d1f8e78acfc85c&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 576px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The advisory also urges tourists to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. According to the Met Office, daytime temperatures are likely to drop during the period. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The weather phenomenon<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Western disturbances are extratropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region that bring sudden winter rain to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent, driven by the westerlies. The moisture in these storms usually originates over the Mediterranean Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These weather systems are the main drivers of rainfall across Pakistan and northwest India during the winter and post-monsoon seasons, with winter precipitation particularly important for agriculture, particularly for rabi crops. However, excessive precipitation due to western disturbances can cause crop damage, landslides, floods and avalanches. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Massive rescue operations underway<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The National Disaster Management Authority&#39;s National Emergencies Operation Centre has warned of rain and snowfall across the northern and western regions, and has directed authorities to remain on alert for rescue operations and road restoration in view of potential risks. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NDMA forecasts cold and dry weather in Punjab with night and morning fog likely over plain areas from Jan. 24-28. <figure id="isPasted"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/d9ceb22a-973d-4397-8892-b26cb646ceb4-Screenshot 2026-01-27 135616.png" alt="Weather Advisory from January 23rd - 28th (NDMA)" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><figcaption>Weather Advisory from January 23rd - 28th (NDMA)</figcaption></figure><span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Balochistan emergency response<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heavy snowfall in the scenic tourist city of Ziarat stranded a large number of tourists at various locations, prompting the Frontier Corps Balochistan (North) to launch a rescue and relief operation. Severe snowfall disrupted road connectivity across the area, trapping tourists in various parts of Ziarat. Rescue teams promptly reached affected areas and safely evacuated stranded tourists to secure locations. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the operation, tourists were provided with immediate medical assistance, while essential medicines were supplied to children and sick individuals. FC personnel continued relief activities without interruption, including road clearance and the recovery of stranded vehicles, despite harsh weather conditions. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Khyber Pakhtunkhwa operations<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pakistan Army has carried out relief operations in Orakzai and Kurram districts amidst heavy rains and snowfall, according to Radio Pakistan. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During heavy snowfall in Orakzai District, the army cleared blocked roads on an emergency basis. In Kurram District, Pakistan Army swiftly launched a rescue operation and restored an eight-kilometer road using heavy machinery, where many were severely affected by the snowfall. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Manato Sadda road had been completely blocked, stranding numerous vehicles, Radio Pakistan reported. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pakistan Army conducted a prompt operation, safely evacuating passengers and vehicles to secure locations.

Motorway officials are seen clearing out snow from a section of the E-35 Hazara Expressway on January 27. (X/@NHMPofficial)

Travel is disrupted, and lower temperatures prompt large-scale military and civilian relief efforts as authorities warn of more severe weather ahead.

Severe winter storm grips northern Pakistan, triggers rescue operations

ISLAMABAD: A new wave of western disturbances entering the country via Iran has brought heavy rain and snowfall to Balochistan as well as northern and hilly regions, accompanied by cold temperatures.&nbsp;The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert for further&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-issues-cold-wave-warning-for-northern-upper-regions" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">severe weather&nbsp;</a>over the next 12 hours.&nbsp;According to the Meteorological Department in Quetta, Ziarat and Qalat recorded snowfall, with Qalat receiving up to 4.5 inches. In Gilgit-Baltistan, Babusar Top and Nanga Parbat areas experienced up to 10 inches of snow, severely affecting movement and travel. Meanwhile, NDMA&rsquo;s National Emergencies Operations Center warned that rain is expected in most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, while hilly areas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/more-than-75000-domestic-tourists-visit-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-during-new-years" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">may see snowfall</a>.&nbsp;In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rainfall is likely in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Malakand, Kurram, Waziristan, Mansehra, Mohmand, Buner, Haripur, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Sawabi, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Kohat. In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain and snow are expected in Gilgit, Astore, Ghanche, Diamer, Skardu, Hunza, and Shigar, while in Azad Kashmir, Bagh, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Havelian, Kotli, Bhimber, and Neelum are likely to experience rain and snowfall in upper areas.&nbsp;NDMA cautioned that rain and snow could make roads slippery and disrupt traffic. Citizens have been advised to avoid non-essential travel and follow precautionary measures.&nbsp;Meanwhile, in Balochistan, rain was recorded in Chaman, Mastung, Noshki, and Kharan, while Gwadar and surrounding areas experienced hail along with rain, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 552px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2015348480060113389&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=92f6202c4d95765916e7e6012632060f0f36d306&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2015348480060113389"></iframe></div></div>NDMA has instructed rescue agencies and road maintenance departments to remain alert due to potential risks, adding that the National Emergencies Operations Centre is continuously monitoring the situation and providing advance information to the public.&nbsp;Relief operations continueRelief efforts continued in remote and high-altitude areas, including Tirah Valley, Kotli, Nakyal and Leepa Valley, where the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps evacuated stranded families, reopened roads and distributed essential supplies. A helicopter evacuation was also carried out in Leepa Valley to airlift a patient after ground access was cut off.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Rescue 1122, Tourism Police and Quick Response Force teams rescued three stranded tourists from Siri Paye after an eight-hour foot operation, safely transferring them to Shogran. The PMD said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/cold-wave-grips-pakistan-fog-and-freezing-temperatures-set-to-intensify" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">cold and partly cloudy weather</a>&nbsp;will persist in most districts of Balochistan, with strong winds and thunderstorms likely in Chaghi, Noshki, Mastung, Kharan, Panjgur, Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Gwadar, Quetta, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Chaman and Zhob. Authorities urged residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in mountainous regions, warning of landslides, avalanches and hazardous road conditions as winter weather persists.

NDMA cautions that rain and snow could make roads slippery and disrupt traffic. Citizens have been advised to avoid non-essential travel and follow precautionary measures.


Fresh western system brings heavy snowfall, rain to northern Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more rain and snowfall in the northern parts of the country as a strong westerly weather system continues to affect the region, following heavy snowfall in several hill stations.&nbsp;Murree recorded 17 inches of snowfall on Friday, the highest in nearly 20 years, while Malam Jabba received 39 inches, Kalam 30 inches, and Chitral 16 inches, according to PMD data shared by meteorologist Ghulam Murtaza. In Balochistan, Quetta recorded 1.2 inches and Qalat 1.6 inches of snowfall.<div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bv5cuAEDEWs" title="Snowfall blankets large parts of Pakistan" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;"></iframe>&nbsp;</div>Snowfall continued on Saturday, though with reduced intensity in some areas. Malam Jabba received an additional 25 inches, Murree 5.5 inches, Kalam 3.5 inches, while Kakul recorded 1 inch of snowfall at ground level.&nbsp;Heavy rain accompanied by a hailstorm also lashed Rawalpindi and Islamabad, while snowfall in Murree pushed temperatures down to around 4 degrees Celsius. Due to hazardous conditions, authorities closed the Murree Expressway and restricted the entry of vehicles into the hill station.&nbsp;The PMD said the current wet spell is likely to persist, with another westerly wave expected to bring more rain and snowfall from Sunday to Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to drop further once cloud cover clears, and cold westerly winds intensify.&nbsp;After a prolonged dry spell, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) also received widespread rain and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/hundreds-of-hikers-rescued-from-everest-after-severe-snowstorm" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">snowfall</a>, with upper areas blanketed in thick snow. Landslides were reported at some locations, disrupting traffic.&nbsp;The Met Office warned that heavy snowfall and rain may cause road closures and slippery conditions in Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, and Rawalakot. Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, while authorities have been asked to remain vigilant.&nbsp;Climate change perspectiveClimate experts link the late but intense snowfall to changing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-issues-cold-wave-warning-for-northern-upper-regions" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">winter patterns</a>. Dr Zainab Naeem, an environmental scientist at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), said Pakistan&rsquo;s winter rain and snow depend on western disturbances, which have become weaker and more erratic due to climate change.&nbsp;She said delayed winter systems often result in prolonged dry spells followed by short bursts of heavy precipitation. &ldquo;Winter is arriving later and lasting for a shorter time, but extreme events like intense snowfall are becoming more frequent,&rdquo; she said, warning of increased risks of landslides, avalanches, and travel disruptions in northern areas.

Kaghan Valley receives heavy snowfall on Friday, January 23, 2026. (Photo: Maryam Shah/Pakistan TV Digital) 

Articles tagged with "Pakistan weather"

Met Office warns of rising GLOF risk as temperatures surge in Gilgit-Baltistan

Severe winter storm grips northern Pakistan, triggers rescue operations

Fresh western system brings heavy snowfall, rain to northern Pakistan

Pakistan's north to receive more snowfall: PMD