Pakistan is set to experience rain and snowfall this weekend, bringing relief to dry regions and exciting news for winter tourists, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

A shallow western disturbance approaching from the west is expected to trigger light to moderate rainfall in the plains and snowfall over hilly areas from December 13 to 15. The system is likely to affect popular tourist destinations across multiple provinces.

Key Tourist Areas Expected to See Snow

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Upper Region)

Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Buner are forecast to experience snowfall over hills, along with rain and thunderstorms.

Gilgit-Baltistan

Snow and rain are expected in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar, making these areas ideal for winter sightseeing.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Tourist spots such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, and Haveli may see snowfall over the hills along with intermittent rain, offering picturesque winter scenery.

Merged Districts / Southern KP

Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, and Waziristan could receive light snow and rain on December 14 and 15.

Balochistan

Snowfall is forecast in Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, and Noshki, adding a winter charm to the province’s tourist spots.

Islamabad, Rawalpindi & Upper Punjab

While Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and the Potohar region may see drizzle, Murree and the Galiyat area are expected to receive light snow and rain, perfect for weekend visitors.

Advisory for Tourists

The PMD has cautioned that snowfall may lead to slippery roads and temporary closures in mountainous tourist destinations such as Naran, Kaghan, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Quetta, Ziarat, and Chaman. There is also a risk of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Visitors are advised to exercise caution while traveling.

Additional Warning

From December 12 to 16, dense fog is expected in the plains of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh, which may reduce visibility on highways and motorways.

The next western disturbance is expected to affect western and northern Pakistan from December 19, potentially bringing more snow to high-altitude tourist destinations.