Jan 27 (ABC) : A strong cold spell continued to affect the country as a westerly weather system remained active over the upper regions, pushing temperatures below freezing across much of northern Pakistan.
The National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC) said the westerly wave is influencing the northern parts of the country and is expected to persist until tomorrow. Several high-altitude areas recorded severe cold, with temperatures plunging to -7°C in Malam Jabba, Parachinar and Gupis, -6°C in Bagrote, and -5°C in Kalam and Rawalakot. Murree and Skardu saw temperatures drop to -3°C, while Quetta recorded -1°C.
The weather authority warned that moderate to heavy snowfall could lead to road closures and slippery conditions in tourist and mountainous regions, including Naran, Kaghan, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Murree, Galliyat, Hunza, Skardu, Astore and Neelum Valley on January 27. The risk of landslides and avalanches remains high in hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Tourists were advised to avoid unnecessary travel and follow safety guidelines.
Intermittent rain, strong winds and thunderstorms are expected in upper KP, AJK and GB, while isolated heavy rain with snowfall may occur in some areas. Cloudy weather with scattered rain is forecast for lower KP, northeastern Punjab and northern Balochistan, whereas cold and dry conditions are likely elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the National Highways and Motorways Police (NHMP) said traffic flow was being maintained despite heavy snowfall. Snow clearance operations were underway on the Hazara Expressway and Murree Expressway, with heavy machinery deployed to keep roads open.
In the Galiyat region of Abbottabad, conditions remained critical as snowfall continued. Areas such as Nathiagali, Ayubia and Changla Gali received over three feet of snow within 16 hours, according to state media. Authorities said snow removal efforts were ongoing, though snowfall intensity remained high.
A third spell of snowfall, accompanied by intermittent rain, affected South Waziristan Upper and Lower late Monday night, further intensifying cold conditions and limiting movement in high-altitude areas. Several roads were blocked, disrupting transportation and delaying essential supplies to remote villages.
Despite travel challenges, the snowfall brought relief for farmers, particularly wheat growers. Agricultural experts said the rain and snow would improve soil moisture, fertility and groundwater levels, benefiting crops in the coming months.
However, authorities cautioned that continued snowfall may cut off remote areas if road clearance is delayed. Residents were urged to stay cautious, especially during early morning and evening hours, and to protect vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Officials said emergency services remain on alert to respond swiftly to any weather-related incidents.