Lahore: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued an alert warning citizens of heavy rain, snowfall, and dense fog across various districts of the province. According to the PDMA, a western weather system is entering Punjab from January 16 to 19, bringing significant snowfall to Murree, the Galiyat region, and other hilly areas between January 20 and 23. Rain is also expected in most districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia stated that alerts have been sent to local government departments, health authorities, Rescue 1122, police, and the transport department. He directed all relevant agencies to complete precautionary arrangements in advance, following instructions from the Punjab Chief Minister. Emergency control rooms have been instructed to remain operational 24/7, while disaster response teams of Rescue 1122 have been placed on high alert to respond to any emergencies.
The authority advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions. Tourists visiting Murree were urged to follow safety measures and official guidelines, while facilitation centers have been set up at key locations in Murree to assist visitors. Motorists have been warned to drive carefully, avoid speeding or sudden braking, and use fog lights when travelling in low-visibility conditions. Citizens are encouraged to follow all safety instructions issued by authorities and can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129 in case of emergencies.
Meanwhile, dense fog has disrupted both road and air travel across Punjab. Low visibility has been reported on national highways near Lahore, Manga Mandi, Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal, Ahmadpur East, Mian Channu, Khanewal, Multan, Basti Malook, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sadiqabad, affecting traffic flow. The Motorway Police advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and suggested that daytime travel is safer under the current conditions.
Flight operations at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport have also been impacted, with several flights cancelled or delayed due to poor visibility. Passengers were advised to check the latest flight status with their airlines before traveling, as fog-related disruptions are expected to continue until visibility improves.
In Lahore, cold winds and fog have affected daily life, with the Meteorological Department recording wind speeds at two kilometers per hour. Rain is not expected on Thursday, but air quality remains a concern, with Lahore ranked sixth globally and an Air Quality Index of 186. The Met Office further warned that medium to heavy fog is likely in Sialkot, Narowal, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan, while haze may affect the Pothohar region during morning hours.
Authorities have urged all residents and travelers to remain cautious, follow safety guidelines, and stay updated with weather advisories issued by the PDMA.
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