Fresh westerly wave to hit Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy snowfall, rain feared

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a new alert with the fresh westerly wave expected to approach on Sunday night after the first month of 2026 proved to be particularly harsh for northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following a destructive spell over the last few days.

A new westerly wave is set to grip the province, bringing more heavy snowfall and rain just as rescue teams work to clear the aftermath of the current weather system.

Earlier this week, a weather system active between January 21st and 25th, brought the season's first major heavy snowfall to the northern belts of the province.

While that system is still in full effect, a new notification from the authorities indicates that it is being followed closely by another similar weather system.

The original alert warned about the initial entry of the westerly wave, causing widespread disruption in the high-altitude districts and heavy downpours in the plains, including the Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, and Peshawar districts of the province.

According to details Pakistan TV Digital received from the Peshawar Metrological Department, the fresh westerly wave is expected to approach on Sunday night, fully gripping upper KP by Monday, January 26th. 

This system is predicted to bring rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with heavy snowfall specifically targeting the mountain ranges of the Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Abbottabad areas.

While the province is already suffering from the effects of the last 72 hours, the situation remains critical in several areas. 

Chitral, which has already faced a tragedy when a massive avalanche in Lower Chitral recently claimed the lives of nine people.

The Northern Passes, including the Lowari Tunnel approach roads and the Karakoram Highway, have faced intermittent blockages, stranding a multitude of commuters. 

In the Tirah Valley of the Khyber district, where massive snowfall has cut off roads, the Internally Displaced People (IDP) and travelers have faced severe hardships due to vehicles getting trapped with people inside.

The plains, which include Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, and Swabi, have experienced heavy rainfall, leading to localized flooding and risks of roof collapses in older settlements.

The provincial government of KP and relevant authorities, which have been grappling with the current crisis, helping people and vehicles stranded in the snow, clearing roads etc. have transitioned from recovery mode back to high alert. 

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has kept its control room active 24/7 and directed all district administrations to remain vigilant for the incoming wave on Monday.

Rescue 1122 and the security forces remain deployed in high-risk zones like Tirah and Chitral.

Heavy machinery is stationed at major points in Galiyat and Malakand to ensure the Hazara Expressway and main arteries remain traversable.

The government, apart from closing down roads leading to the Galiyat regions, has issued a strong advisory for tourists and locals to avoid unnecessary travel to Naran, Kaghan, Swat, and Kalam on Monday and Tuesday, as the risk of landslides and further avalanches is extremely high.