Chilly Start to 2026: Rain in Twin Cities, Snow in Murree
Islamabad and Rawalpindi kick off 2026 with rain and cold, while Murree sees fresh snowfall, bringing a chilly start to the New Year.
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RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD — Thick clouds, heavy rain, and dropping temperatures set a chilly tone for 2026 in Pakistan’s twin cities, with nearby Murree covered in fresh snow, according to Dawn and Tribune.
From the early hours of January 1, Islamabad and Rawalpindi received steady rainfall, ending a long dry streak. Thunder and lightning punctuated the showers, while the first sunrise of the year remained hidden behind the clouds.
Murree, meanwhile, saw snowfall of about four inches, drawing tourists to the hills and creating scenic vistas. Highway crews spread salt and urged caution for travelers navigating slippery roads.
The rainfall coincided with a government reduction in fuel prices by up to Rs10, bringing relief to motorists. Residents also took part in Fajr prayers, offering special supplications for the country’s wellbeing.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted that cold, cloudy weather will persist through the week. Temperatures in the twin cities hovered near six degrees Celsius, while rainfall totals showed the intensity of the showers: Saidpur recorded 27 mm, Zero Point 23 mm, and Shamsabad 24 mm.
As clouds linger and fog sets in, residents are adjusting to a damp, cold start to 2026 — a dramatic shift from the dry, sunny New Year many had expected.
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