Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a cold wave alert for Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, warning of severe cold weather conditions until the end of January.
According to the NDMA advisory, extremely cold temperatures are expected during night and early morning hours, while moderate to heavy snowfall is likely in upper mountainous regions. The authority warned that snowfall could disrupt road connectivity, transportation systems and electricity supply in affected areas.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain and snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from January 17 to 19, while Murree and Galiyat are likely to receive rain and snow between January 18 and 20. Rain is also expected in Islamabad from January 20 to 23, with several districts of Punjab likely to experience rainfall during the same period.
NDMA has cautioned that heavy snowfall may trigger avalanches in vulnerable areas, advising residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in hilly regions. In plain areas, frost formation could damage crops and orchards, raising concerns for farmers.
The authority has instructed people in snow-hit areas to use safety chains on vehicle tyres, wear adequate warm clothing, and ensure the safe use of heaters during extreme cold. Provincial disaster management authorities and district administrations have been directed to take precautionary measures and ensure the availability of essential machinery and emergency resources.