Rain, Snow Forecast Across Northern Pakistan
Northern Pakistan weather is set to turn wet and cold from today, with rain, wind and snowfall expected across the hills and plains of the north. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) says a shallow westerly wave reached the western and northern parts of the country on Tuesday evening, and it is likely to persist over the upper parts until the morning of November 14. Snow is likely on the high hills, while rain and thunderstorms are forecast across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and parts of Punjab and Islamabad.
The system is expected to bring rain, thunderstorms and snowfall over the mountains of the northern areas today and tomorrow. Snow is expected over the hills during the evening and night, and on Wednesday. Dense fog is likely in the plain areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the morning hours. Dawn reported the forecast from the Met Office.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has also warned that rain could trigger landslides in the province’s mountainous areas, and it has urged tourists and travellers to exercise caution.
Northern Pakistan weather: what the PMD forecast says
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and snowfall are expected in the upper districts of Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Buner, Malakand, Haripur, Mardan, Swabi, Kohat, Kurram, Orakzai, Mohmand, Bajaur and adjoining areas from November 11 to 12.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain and snowfall are expected in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar on November 11 and 12. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the forecast covers Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhnoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.
In Punjab and Islamabad, light rain, wind and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, the Potohar region, Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar, Sargodha, Murree and adjoining areas on Tuesday night. More rain is forecast on November 12 and 13 for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Mianwali, Khushab and Sargodha, with occasional breaks.
In Balochistan, intermittent rain is expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Loralai, Barkhan, Musakhail, Khuzdar, Kalat, Mastung and Harnai on November 11 and 12. In Sindh, dry weather is expected in most districts, but rain may fall in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Karachi and Thatta on November 12 and 13.
The PMD’s own forecast puts the system over the upper parts until the morning of November 14, with rain also reaching Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s plain districts. Daytime temperatures are expected to fall by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius across the country after the spell.
A break for farmers, and colder days ahead
The rain is likely to help farmers, as long dry weather and smog have hurt standing crops, particularly wheat. Rain would help germination and growth, while light snow over high mountains and glaciers would help water resources. Foggy patches may appear in the plains once the spell passes.
The PMD has advised the provincial and district authorities to remain vigilant and take the necessary measures.
Landslide risk in the hills
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa PDMA issued its alert on Tuesday, putting the province on alert from November 10 to 14. It expects rain, hailstorms and light snowfall across the upper and plain districts, with the season’s first snow in the mountains. The authority warned that rainfall could trigger landslides in mountainous areas and advised tourists and travellers to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
Balochistan’s PDMA has also issued an advisory for November 11 and 12, warning district administrations to remain on alert as rain, windstorms and thunderstorms are expected in several parts of the province. It warned that strong winds and thunderstorms may damage vulnerable structures, including electricity poles, billboards and solar panels.
What it means for travellers to the hills
The timing matters for the hills. Snowfall in Galiyat drew large crowds of tourists last month, and Murree has already set out a winter safety plan for the season. This spell brings the first snow of the season to the same towns, and it will draw visitors looking for snow.
The disaster authorities have urged tourists to avoid unnecessary journeys through the mountains, to check the weather and road conditions before travelling, and not to attempt to cross streams and rivulets during rain.
Our guide to Galiyat sets out the hill towns and their roads, which can close quickly when snow falls. Our weather coverage tracks each spell as it develops. Travellers should check the latest road position with the local administration before setting out, and they should carry warm clothing and extra time for the journey.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas will get rain and snow?
Rain, wind and thunderstorms, with snow over the hills, are forecast across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and parts of Punjab and Islamabad. In the north, the rain and snow fall on November 11 and 12; in Punjab, the rain runs from November 11 to 13. Balochistan sees intermittent rain on November 11 and 12, and parts of Sindh may see rain on November 12 and 13.
How long will the wet spell last?
The PMD says the shallow westerly wave reached the country on Tuesday evening and may persist over the upper parts until the morning of November 14. Dawn puts the rain and snow in the north on November 11 and 12, and the rain in Punjab from November 11 to 13.
Is there a landslide risk?
Yes. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa PDMA has warned that rain could trigger landslides in the province’s mountainous areas from November 10 to 14, and it has urged tourists and travellers to exercise caution.
What have the disaster authorities advised tourists?
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa PDMA has advised tourists and travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys through the mountains and to exercise caution while travelling. Balochistan’s PDMA has also issued an advisory for November 11 and 12, warning administrations to remain on alert.
Will Lahore and Karachi get rain?
Lahore is in the forecast for November 12 and 13, along with much of central Punjab. Karachi may see rain on November 12 and 13, according to the PMD’s forecast for Sindh, which lists the city among the districts where rain may fall.
