Widespread snowfall, rain and hailstorms across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have intensified a severe cold wave, with temperatures in several districts dropping well below freezing, officials said on Friday.

Rare snowfall was reported in the remote areas of Gargarai and Bashi in Karak, where up to three inches of snow accumulated after several years.

In Malakand’s hilly regions, snowfall was recorded after nearly two decades, sharply increasing the intensity of the cold.

Similarly, snowfall in Miranshah, North Waziristan, was reported for the first time since 2013, bringing freezing conditions to the area.

Snowfall continues in various parts of Hazara and Swat.

In the Galiyat tourist region of Abbottabad, intermittent snowfall led to road closures, leaving tourists and locals stranded.

Several vehicles were stuck, while power outages plunged large parts of the area into darkness.

In Swat, rain lashed the plains, including Mingora and surrounding areas, while heavy snowfall was reported in upper regions such as Malam Jabba, Kalam, Mahodand and Marghazar.

Authorities said Kalam has received up to two feet of snow, while snowfall in Malam Jabba has reached around one foot.

Several link roads were closed due to snow accumulation. In Malam Jabba, tourists’ vehicles were stranded, but police and Pakistan Army personnel cleared the roads and safely evacuated the vehicles.

Rain and snowfall have also been reported intermittently since last night in Shangla, Buner, Chitral, Kohistan, Orakzai and Kurram districts, further intensifying the cold across the province.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department said rain and snowfall are expected to continue in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until January 24, urging residents and travellers to exercise caution.