NDMA issues weather alert for westerly wave in Pakistan

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a weather alert on Monday as a westerly wave is expected to enter the country and affect several areas in the coming days.

According to the NDMA, the westerly wave is likely to reach the western parts of Pakistan on the night of December 29 and will become stronger from December 30. The system is expected to affect most upper and central parts of the country on December 31 and remain active in the upper regions until the morning of January 2, 2026.

The NDMA warned that snowfall may cause road closures and slippery conditions in areas including Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli from the night of December 30 to the morning of January 2.

There is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in the hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir during the same period. Tourists have been advised to be careful and avoid unnecessary travel to high-altitude and vulnerable areas.

The NDMA added that fog conditions are expected to subside in central and southern Punjab and upper Sindh during the wet spell.

The authority has asked all relevant disaster management agencies, including provincial and regional authorities, to ensure preparedness and response measures. They urged authorities to stay alert, share timely information, keep emergency response teams on standby, and take steps to reduce risks to life, property, and infrastructure.

NDMA said it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with stakeholders to provide timely response and mitigation. The public is advised to stay updated through the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile app, especially before traveling to affected regions.

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