Islamabad: A fresh spell of rain, wind and snowfall forecast for large parts of Pakistan from December 29 is expected to provide temporary relief from prolonged dry conditions, but health authorities caution that cold exposure, road disruptions and limited access to healthcare could pose risks, particularly in drought-stressed and mountainous regions.
According to a weather advisory issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a westerly weather system is likely to affect upper and central parts of the country from the night of December 29, intensifying from December 30 and persisting in some areas until January 2.
The system is expected to bring rain and thunderstorms to several parts of Balochistan and Sindh, while moderate to heavy snowfall is forecast in the hilly regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and northern Punjab, including Murree and the Galiyat.
Health experts say the expected precipitation could help ease drought pressure in parts of Balochistan, Sindh and southern Punjab, where extended dry spells have strained water availability, affected food security and increased vulnerability to malnutrition and water-related illnesses. However, they warn that sudden drops in temperature, snowfall and access disruptions may create short-term public-health challenges.
The Met Department has cautioned that snowfall may lead to road closures and slippery conditions in areas such as Naran, Kaghan, Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Mansehra, Hunza, Skardu, Murree and parts of Azad Kashmir, potentially limiting access to health facilities, particularly for pregnant women, elderly people and patients with chronic illnesses.
Authorities have also warned of the possibility of landslides and avalanches in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir during the wet spell, a risk that often complicates emergency medical response in remote regions.
Public health officials say cold-related illnesses, respiratory infections and hypothermia tend to rise during such weather conditions, especially among populations already weakened by food insecurity and limited heating options. They have advised communities in high-risk areas to take precautionary measures, including avoiding unnecessary travel, ensuring adequate shelter and maintaining access to essential medicines.
The Met Office has further indicated that daytime temperatures are likely to drop further in central and upper parts of the country after the passage of the weather system, while fog conditions may subside temporarily in central Punjab and parts of Sindh.
Officials say while the rainfall may bring short-term relief to drought-affected areas, sustained water management, health preparedness and climate-resilient planning remain essential to reduce long-term risks linked to extreme weather variability.