Northern Pakistan Shivers as Temperatures Plummet to -7°C

ISLAMABAD — Large swathes of northern Pakistan remain under a severe weather emergency today, January 27, 2026, as a persistent westerly wave continues to dump heavy snow and rain across the upper regions. The National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC) has warned that while the system is expected to persist through tomorrow, the risk of landslides and avalanches remains critically high.

Regional Temperature & Snowfall Report

The mercury has dropped well below freezing in several popular tourist and residential hubs:

• Lowest Peaks: Malam Jabba, Parachinar, and Gupis recorded a bone-chilling -7°C.
• Northern Districts: Bagrote hit -6°C, followed by Kalam and Rawalakot at -5°C.
• Tourist Hubs: Murree and Skardu recorded -3°C, while Quetta shivered at -1°C.
• Major Cities: Islamabad and Peshawar saw lows of 5°C, with Karachi remaining relatively “warmer” at 11.5°C.

Travel Advisory: Road Closures & Slippery Conditions

The NWFC and National Highways and Motorways Police (NHMP) have issued a “High Alert” for several key transit routes due to heavy snowfall and ice.

Affected Routes (Jan 27–28):

• Hazara Expressway (E-35): Heavy machinery is currently deployed to clear snow between Burhan and Thakot.
• Murree Expressway (N-75): Access remains restricted; salt-sprinkling is underway to melt black ice.
• M-1 Motorway: Slippery conditions reported near Swabi and Peshawar; lanes are partially restricted for heavy vehicles.
• Northern Passes: Naran, Kaghan, Chitral, and Swat roads are currently experiencing intermittent closures.

NHMP Advice: Tourists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel to Galiyat and upper KP until at least Thursday. If travel is essential, ensure vehicles are equipped with snow chains and anti-freeze.

In the tribal districts of South Waziristan (Upper and Lower), a third spell of heavy snow has brought both hardship and hope:

1. The Struggle: Remote villages in Angoor Adda and Kaniguram are partially cut off, with over 12 road sections blocked.
2. The Relief: Local farmers have welcomed the precipitation as “natural irrigation.” After a prolonged dry spell, the snow is expected to replenish groundwater levels and provide vital moisture for the wheat crop and fruit orchards (pine nuts, apples, and peaches).

What to Expect Tomorrow

• Upper KP, GB, & AJK: Intermittent rain and heavy snowfall will likely continue until Wednesday evening.
• Punjab & Sindh: Mostly cold and dry weather. Isolated thunderstorms are possible in northeastern Punjab.
• Balochistan: A separate system is bringing cloudy weather and light rain to Quetta, Ziarat, and Chaman.

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