Pakistan’s Famous Desert Experiences Snowfall After 20 Years

By S. Alam | Published Jan 26, 2026

https://propakistani.pk/2026/01/26/pakistans-famous-desert-experiences-snowfall-after-20-years/

Pakistan witnessed another striking example of shifting weather patterns as snowfall was reported in the desert of Nushki district in Balochistan, a rare event that locals say has not been seen in around two decades.

The unusual winter spell turned vast stretches of sand dunes into a white landscape, with snow settling over the desert terrain and surprising residents in the area.

The development comes as Pakistan continues to face increasingly unpredictable seasons, despite contributing a relatively small share to global emissions.

In recent years, the country has been hit by back-to-back climate-related extreme weather phenomena, from intense summer downpours and flooding to harsher winter conditions. This season’s cold wave has brought snowfall and hailstorms to several regions, including areas where such weather is typically uncommon.

Alongside Nushki’s rare desert snowfall, Swat’s urban areas reportedly received snow after 16 years, while Gargari near Karak saw snowfall after 25 years, with temperatures in Karak dropping to -2°C.

Meanwhile, Battagram has faced heavy snowfall, reported to be as much as four feet in some locations, leaving residents confined indoors. Power outages have also been reported for two days, while authorities shut parts of the Karakoram Highway due to hazardous conditions and restricted travel on the route.

Unusual hailstorms were also recorded in parts of Punjab, with reports stating that Attock saw hail after 40 years and Bhakkar after 42 years.

Authorities have advised people in affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel, follow local advisories, and take extra precautions as temperatures remain low and road conditions continue to pose risks.

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