RAWALPINDI: Snowfall in Murree and widespread rainfall in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Thursday led to a noticeable drop in temperatures, intensifying winter conditions across the region. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a further decline in temperatures in the coming days, warning of a strengthening cold wave in the twin cities and surrounding areas.
Murree received around four inches of snowfall, turning the hill station white and drawing tourists despite the cold. Weather conditions in the area are expected to improve on Friday, according to the Met Office. Meanwhile, steady rain in Islamabad and Rawalpindi added to the chill, lowering daytime temperatures and increasing humidity.
In Islamabad, rainfall measurements recorded 27 millimetres in Saidpur, 12mm at Golra, 16mm at Bokra, and 23mm at Zero Point. Rawalpindi also experienced significant rainfall, with 24mm recorded at Shamsabad, 16mm at Katcheri, 12mm at Pirwadhai, 17mm at Gawalmandi and 20mm at New Katarian.
Despite the precipitation, temperatures in the twin cities hovered around six degrees Celsius over the past two days due to persistent cloud cover. A Met Office official said that temperatures were expected to fall further from Friday onward as cold conditions in the surrounding hilly areas intensified.
“Usually, temperatures in Islamabad and adjoining Rawalpindi fall close to the freezing point during December and January. Cloud cover kept temperatures slightly higher, but colder conditions are likely to follow,” the official said.
The PMD reported that continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country, while a westerly weather system was affecting Kashmir and adjoining regions and gradually moving eastward. As a result, cold and dry weather is expected across much of the country, with very cold conditions anticipated in upper hilly areas, particularly during morning and night hours.
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The department also warned of moderate to dense fog in the plains of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh during early morning and nighttime hours, which could disrupt road travel and visibility.
In Murree, the district administration took precautionary measures by sprinkling salt on major roads and highways to prevent slippery conditions. Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi visited several snowfall-affected areas, including Lower Topa, Jhika Gali, Kaldna, Barian and Kali Mati, to review administrative arrangements.
Cold and dry weather is expected over most parts of the country, while very cold conditions are likely in upper hilly areas during morning and night hours.https://t.co/NOo0CXmare
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) January 2, 2026
He directed officials to ensure the availability of facilities for tourists and urged visitors to remain cautious. Tourists were advised to monitor weather conditions closely and ensure their vehicles were mechanically fit before traveling to Murree. The deputy commissioner said traffic management plans were being strictly implemented and confirmed that all relevant departments remained on high alert, calling on tourists to cooperate with authorities to ensure safety during the winter spell.
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