The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Tuesday issued a weather alert for rain and snowfall in the northern parts of Punjab.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, precipitation is expected in the hilly regions of Punjab until January 2, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, and the Potohar region.
The PDMA also forecast light rain in several districts, including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh, between December 31 and January 1.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said the rains are expected to improve visibility by reducing fog and smog.
He added that the PDMA control room is monitoring the situation round the clock.
Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, and tourists in Murree have been urged to follow precautionary measures and adhere to official instructions.
In Lahore, dense fog has reduced visibility to near zero, causing widespread disruption to daily life.
Air and road traffic have been severely affected, with several flights diverted to Islamabad.
Some domestic and international flights, including services to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, and Karachi, have been cancelled or delayed.
Major motorways, including M2 and M3, and surrounding highways have seen significant traffic slowdowns, with partial closures in some areas.
Traffic authorities have urged commuters to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution while driving.
Most parts of Pakistan are expected to experience cold weather with partly cloudy skies in the next 24 hours, the Met Office said on Tuesday.
Strong winds accompanied by rain and snow are expected in Balochistan. Light rain is also expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and adjacent hilly regions.
In the plains of Sindh, moderate to dense fog is likely. Islamabad and the surrounding areas will experience cold weather with cloudy skies.
Most districts of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will remain cold, while Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, and Galiyat may see light rain or snowfall in the evening and night.
