The Met Office has forecast light rain and mountain snowfall in northern Pakistan on 4–5 December, with cold, dry and smoggy weather continuing elsewhere.
New Westerly Wave to Brush Northern Pakistan
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a fresh spell of light rain and snowfall for parts of the country at the start of December. According to the Met Office, a shallow westerly wave is likely to affect northern areas from the night of 4 December till 5 December 2025.
While the system is not very strong, it is expected to change weather conditions in some northern districts, bringing clouds and light precipitation, while most of Pakistan remains cold and dry.
Light Rain and Snow for Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and Upper KP
Under the influence of this weather system, mostly cloudy conditions are expected with light rain and snowfall over the mountains at isolated places in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Districts that may be affected include Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla and Battagram on the night of 4 December and during 5 December.
Even light snow can make roads slippery and reduce visibility on bends and high passes. Motorists travelling to these areas are advised to drive carefully, check road updates and keep basic winter supplies in their vehicles.
Cold and Dry Conditions to Continue Elsewhere
For the rest of the country, the Met Office expects cold and dry weather to persist. Night and early-morning temperatures are likely to remain low across much of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Residents are urged to use warm clothing and handle gas or coal heaters safely. Health experts often warn that sudden exposure to cold air can worsen asthma, flu and other respiratory issues, especially among children and the elderly.
Smog and Fog to Persist in Punjab and KP Plains
The forecast also warns that smoggy and foggy conditions are likely to continue in parts of the plains of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly at night and in the early morning. In Punjab, affected cities may include Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhelum, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan, Khanewal, Layyah, Kot Addu and Bahawalpur.
In KP, Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan and Dera Ismail Khan are among the districts where fog and smog are expected to linger. Drivers are advised to slow down, use fog lights and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles in low-visibility conditions.
Health and Safety Tips for Smog and Cold Weather
Smog, which combines fog with pollution, can irritate the eyes, throat and lungs. Doctors recommend that people with asthma, bronchitis or heart disease limit outdoor activity during thick smog, and wear masks if they must go outside. Keeping windows closed during peak hours and using simple indoor ventilation can also help.
At the same time, cold and dry conditions can trigger seasonal illnesses. Families are advised to keep children warm when they leave for school in the morning and to stay hydrated even when temperatures feel low. Simple steps, such as using moisturisers and drinking warm fluids, can make the weather more manageable.
Stay Updated on Official Weather Advisories
The Met Office is expected to issue more updates if the westerly system strengthens or changes its track. Residents planning travel to northern areas or using major highways during fog hours should monitor official forecasts and motorway advisories.
By staying informed and taking basic precautions, people can manage the coming spell of light rain, snowfall, smog and cold more safely, while enjoying the start of the winter season.
