Snow continued to fall in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday as a shallow westerly system brought intense cold to the region.
In Skardu, heavy snowfall covered the city and nearby mountains with three to five inches of snow. Temperatures plunged to minus eight degrees Celsius in the city, while higher areas saw lows near minus 13 degrees.
Swat also received snow, coating trees and roads and worsening winter conditions. Life in several upper areas was disrupted as residents faced freezing weather and travel became difficult.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department said the westerly wave entered the upper parts of the country on January 16 and is expected to last until January 19. It is likely to strengthen from January 20 and spread to most parts of Pakistan from January 21.
The Met Office has forecast rain with thunderstorms and light to moderate snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the coming days. Light rain and snow are also expected in Murree, Galliyat, and nearby areas between January 18 and January 20.
Authorities have urged residents and travelers to stay alert as slippery roads, poor visibility, and extreme cold may create hazardous conditions.