A powerful spell of rain and snowfall has engulfed large parts of northern Pakistan, disrupting daily life, closing major roads, and intensifying cold conditions as authorities urge citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.
Snowfall has resumed in Murree with up to six inches of snow recorded so far. The Meteorological Department says snowfall will continue today.
Due to heavy accumulation, the Murree Expressway has been completely closed, bringing tourist movement and traffic to a halt.
Mansehra, Kaghan face heavy snow, disruptions
In Mansehra, rain continues in the plains while intermittent snowfall persists in upper areas. The main highway in Kaghan Valley has been closed due to heavy snowfall.
About one foot of snow has fallen in the tourist resort of Shogran, while more than ten inches has accumulated in Kaghan Bazaar. Snowfall caused electricity poles and trees to fall on the Kaghan Highway, disrupting power supply.
Kaghan Development Authority staff and machinery are actively engaged in clearing snow and removing obstacles. The administration has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel in Kaghan Valley.
Historic snowfall in Mohmand district
Several areas of Mohmand District have witnessed historic snowfall, including Ambar, Baizai, and Pindilai tehsils. Snowfall was also reported in the Yousuf Baba area of Pang Ghar tehsil and parts of Charsadda.
Snow accumulation across Ambar Atmankhel and Baizai tehsils has intensified cold conditions and increased difficulties for residents across multiple tehsils.
After a prolonged dry winter, heavy snowfall has begun in Kharmang District. The weather has turned extremely cold as mountains and valleys are covered in a thick white blanket.
Residents reported a sharp drop in temperatures, with snowfall transforming the landscape across the district.
Kashmir sees widespread snowfall, communication cut off
Rain and snowfall continue across Azad Kashmir, paralyzing life in many areas. Upper-region communication roads have begun closing, cutting off access.
After many years, light snowfall was also recorded in Muzaffarabad city. Heavy snowfall persists in Neelum Valley and Leepa Valley, with more than three feet of snow reported in Neelum Valley.
Snowfall was also recorded in Pir Chinasi, Makra Ganja Pahar, Jhelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli districts. Electricity and phone services remain disrupted in upper areas, while intermittent rain and snowfall are expected to continue throughout the day.
Poonch district breaks 20-year record
Like other parts of Azad Kashmir, heavy and stormy snowfall continues in Poonch District, including the suburbs of Rawalakot. Authorities say a 20-year snowfall record has been broken.
In tourist destinations such as Toli Pir, Lasdanna, Shaheed Gul Bilal Potha, and surrounding areas, snow depth has exceeded eight feet. All major and connecting roads have been closed, and the power transmission system is completely suspended.
The severe cold has confined residents to their homes, with elderly people, children, and patients facing severe hardship. The SDMA has issued a red alert, urging people to stay indoors, avoid travel, and take precautionary measures.
In Swabi, snowfall has continued in the tourist area of Bir Gali since last night. The Met Department says snowfall is likely to continue for the next 24 hours. Three to four inches of snow have fallen, covering roads and rooftops in upper areas, while rain has further intensified the cold.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall continues in upper areas of Swat. Authorities report three feet of snow in Malam Jabba and two and a half feet in Kalam, with snowfall also affecting Gabin Jabba Valley, Miandam, Salatandra, and Mohmand.
People faced severe difficulties commuting as roads became slippery, while rain in urban areas further lowered temperatures.
Snowfall returns to Battagram after 5 years
Snowfall has also been recorded in the plains of Battagram after five years. Up to one foot of snow fell in upper areas.
Electricity has remained suspended for the second day, while roads connecting upper regions have been closed. Although snowfall has temporarily stopped, the Meteorological Department says rain and snowfall may continue until tonight.
Dir, Chitral cut off
In Dir, rain continues in plains while snowfall in upper areas has entered its second day. Two and a half feet of snow has accumulated in Lowari, with more than one foot reported in Kumrat, Thal, and Brawal.
Six inches of snow fell in Dir city, reducing traffic between Lowari, Chitral, and Dir. Authorities have directed drivers to use snow chains, warning that travel on Lowari Road without chains is prohibited.
In Chitral, more than one foot of snow has fallen in the town, while over three feet accumulated on the Lowari Tunnel approach road. All contact roads, including the Lowari Tunnel, have been closed and electricity systems disrupted.
The first snowfall of winter has covered Khyber District, including Landikotal, in a white blanket. Around two inches of snow has fallen, increasing both cold intensity and scenic beauty.
More rain and snowfall in mountainous areas are expected over the next 24 hours, according to the Met Department.
In Abbottabad and surrounding areas, rain continues, while more than two feet of snow has fallen in the Galiyat region, including Nathia Gali and Ayubiya. Murree Road and village link roads have been closed, leaving locals facing serious difficulties.
