Sharp Temperature Drop in Pakistan as Westerly Winds Intensify Cold Spell
A sharp temperature drop in Pakistan is expected in the coming days as a fresh spell of westerly winds sweeps across the country, bringing snowfall to upper regions and rain to the plains, the Meteorological Department has warned.
Authorities say the intensified cold wave will lower temperatures nationwide, improving visibility by reducing fog in plains but increasing health and travel risks in several regions.
Met Office Issues Alert Over Intensified Cold and Falling Temperatures
Meteorological Department Director General Mehr Sahibzada Khan said a series of westerly winds is currently affecting both upper and plain areas of the country.
In an interview, he confirmed that snowfall is likely in higher altitudes, while rain is expected in the plains, including parts of the federal capital region.
He cautioned that while rainfall will ease dense fog, the overall intensity of cold will increase sharply.
Islamabad Temperature May Hit Freezing Point
Highlighting the seriousness of the cold spell, the Met Office warned that temperatures in Islamabad could drop to the freezing point.
Officials also confirmed that another system of rain and snowfall is expected to enter Pakistan after a brief interval, prolonging winter conditions.
Snowfall Blankets Upper Balochistan Districts
Heavy snowfall has been reported in several areas of Balochistan, including:
- Ziarat
- Kan Mehtarzai
- Chaman
- Qila Abdullah
- Qila Saifullah
In Quetta, snowfall has continued intermittently, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), disrupting daily life and traffic flow.
PDMA Activates Emergency Response, Deploys Heavy Machinery
PDMA Director General Jahanzeb Khan confirmed that rescue teams and heavy machinery have been deployed in snowfall-affected areas.
Snow clearance operations are actively underway on highways impacted by severe weather, while PDMA staff remain stationed in Chaman, Ziarat, Kan Mehtarzai, and Qila Saifullah.
Relief materials had already been dispatched in advance as part of preparedness measures.
Landslides Block Highways, Restoration Efforts Continue
Rain and snowfall triggered landslides in Muslim Bagh, disrupting traffic on the national highway.
PDMA officials said operations are ongoing to restore blocked routes as quickly as possible, stressing that public safety remains the top priority.
Balochistan CM Orders Immediate Relief Measures
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has instructed authorities to take immediate relief actions in snowfall-affected regions.
The PDMA control room has been activated 24/7, and officials are in constant coordination with district administrations to respond swiftly to any emergency.
PDMA Cancels Holidays Amid Ongoing Cold Emergency
Due to the evolving situation, the PDMA has cancelled all holidays for officers and staff across Balochistan.
Jahanzeb Khan said all personnel are performing duties without interruption, adding that the situation is being monitored moment by moment.
Authorities emphasized that they are fully prepared to handle any unexpected developments caused by the intensified cold spell.
Weather Advisory for Citizens
Officials urged citizens to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel in snowfall-affected areas
- Use caution on slippery roads
- Keep warm and protect vulnerable individuals
- Follow official advisories and emergency updates
The Met Office warned that while rain may improve visibility, the sharp temperature drop in Pakistan could pose serious health and safety risks.