Met Office predicts rain and snowfall in parts of GB, Kashmir, KP, north Balochistan and upper Punjab from January 31 to February 3, with warnings for travellers and tourists.
Westerly Weather System to Impact Northern and Western Pakistan
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of rain and snowfall for various parts of the country as a shallow westerly wave approaches the western and northern regions. According to the Met Office, the weather system is likely to enter Pakistan on the night of January 30 and may persist until February 3. During this period, several northern, western and upper central areas can expect cloudy conditions, rain, snowfall over the hills and a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures.
This pattern is common in winter, when westerly weather systems bring moisture from the Mediterranean and adjacent regions. However, even a shallow wave can cause significant impacts in Pakistan’s mountainous areas, where snow accumulation, landslides and road blockages are frequent. Authorities have therefore issued detailed guidance to residents and tourists, particularly those planning travel to hill stations and high-altitude valleys.
Where Rain and Snowfall Are Expected
Under the influence of the incoming system, light to moderate rain with light to moderate snowfall over the hills is expected in several districts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir from January 31 to February 3, with occasional breaks. In GB, affected areas are likely to include Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ganche and Shigar. In Kashmir, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhnuti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur are among the locations where rain and snow are anticipated.
Parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will also see a mix of rain and hill snowfall during the same period. Forecast districts include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Buner, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Peshawar, Kohat, Kurram and Waziristan. In upper Punjab and the federal capital, light rain is expected in Islamabad, the Potohar region, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Gujranwala and nearby areas from February 1 to 3.
Popular hill stations such as Murree and Galiyat are forecast to receive light rain and snowfall during this window, which may attract tourists but also raise the risk of slippery roads and traffic disruptions. In northern Balochistan, including Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noshki and Harnai, light to moderate rain, wind and snowfall are likely between January 31 and February 1.
Landslide, Avalanche and Travel Risk Alerts
The Met Office has warned that snowfall may create slippery and hazardous conditions in several mountain valleys from February 1 to 3. Areas identified as particularly sensitive include Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh and Haveli. In Balochistan, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai and Zhob may experience similar conditions on January 31 and February 1.
There is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in the hilly and mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Saturated slopes, fresh snowfall and unstable terrain can combine to trigger rockfalls and snow slides, potentially blocking roads and threatening villages located below steep hillsides.
Tourists and transporters have been advised to remain cautious, stay updated with local forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel during the most active phases of the weather system. Authorities stress that even light to moderate snow can become dangerous when it accumulates on already cold, icy roads, particularly on sharp curves and steep climbs often found on mountain routes.
Advice for Tourists and Residents
For people planning trips to northern areas or hill stations such as Murree, Galiyat, Swat and Kaghan, the Met Office and local administrations recommend checking the latest road conditions and forecasts before departure. Travellers should carry warm clothing, basic food supplies, medicines and, where required, snow chains for vehicles. It is also important to keep fuel tanks sufficiently filled and mobile phones charged in case of unexpected delays.
Residents in vulnerable mountain communities are encouraged to stay alert for signs of unstable slopes, such as new cracks, falling stones or unusual water seepage, and to report them to local authorities. People living near steep embankments or riverbanks should avoid unnecessary movement during heavy rain or snow and follow any evacuation guidance issued by district administration or disaster management officials.
Daytime temperatures are likely to drop during the spell, so households across the country should prepare for colder conditions indoors and outdoors. Simple precautions, such as proper ventilation for gas heaters, wearing layers of warm clothing and taking special care of children and the elderly, can reduce health risks. With cautious planning and responsible travel behaviour, the coming days of rain and snowfall can be enjoyed safely while keeping disruption and accidents to a minimum.
