Punjab Weather Update: Rain Alert Issued & Motorway Status (Jan 23, 2026)

A noticeable change in weather conditions has been recorded across Punjab on Friday, January 23, 2026. After prolonged dry cold, smog, and dense fog, a fresh Western Disturbance has entered the region, prompting authorities to issue a Rain Yellow Alert for several northern districts. While the rainfall is expected to improve air quality, it may also cause slippery roads, reduced night temperatures, and travel delays. Below is the latest verified update on weather conditions, motorway status, and school timings.

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Punjab Weather & Travel Overview (Jan 23, 2026)

Feature	Status
Weather Alert	Rain / Thundershowers
Affected Areas	Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal
Motorway M2	Open (Islamabad–Kot Momin)
Motorway M11	Open with Caution (Slippery)
Day Temperature	Around 20°C
Fog Situation	Clearing temporarily
School Timings	Revised (9:30 AM Start)
NHMP Helpline	130

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Rain Spell Begins: Yellow Alert in Effect

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a Western Disturbance has affected North Punjab, bringing cloud cover and rain.

Yellow Alert Areas: Sialkot, Narowal, Gurdaspur, and surrounding districts are on alert for moderate rain and gusty winds.
Lahore & Gujranwala: Light rain and drizzle have been reported in multiple areas, helping reduce smog and improve air quality.
Agricultural Advisory: Rain is beneficial for wheat crops, but farmers are advised to ensure proper drainage in low-lying fields to avoid water stagnation.

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Motorway Status Update (M2, M3, M11)

The National Highways & Motorway Police has shifted travel advisories from fog-related warnings to rain safety alerts.

M2 (Islamabad–Lahore): Open for traffic. Northern sections are clear, while some slowdown is expected near Sheikhupura due to maintenance work.
M11 (Lahore–Sialkot): Open, but rain has made the road slippery between Mahmood Booti and Sambrial. Drivers should reduce speed and maintain safe distance.
M3 (Lahore–Abdul Hakim): Currently clear. Fog may redevelop late at night once rain stops.
Travel Advice: Commuters are strongly advised to call 130 before starting long journeys.

Fog Forecast After Rain

Meteorologists warn that the relief from fog will be temporary.

Jan 23–24: Cloudy weather with rain, better daytime visibility.
From Jan 25: Dense fog likely to return, especially in Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, and nearby plains. Moisture from rain may cause frost at night, leading to very low visibility.

Revised School Timings in Punjab

Due to cold weather conditions, the Punjab Government has revised school timings for this week.

Opening Time: 9:30 AM
Closing Time: 2:30 PM (Mon–Thu), 12:30 PM (Friday)
Dress Code: Students are allowed to wear warm clothing such as jackets, sweaters, and caps.

Safety Tips for Rainy Conditions

Driving during the first rain after a dry spell is risky due to oil buildup on roads.

Ensure windshield wipers are in good condition
Use AC defogger to clear windscreen mist
Increase braking distance
Avoid sudden braking on wet roads
Check live motorway updates by calling 130

Official Weather Source

For verified and real-time updates, visit the official PMD portal:
https://nwfc.pmd.gov.pk

Conclusion

The Punjab weather on January 23, 2026, brings much-needed rain that will temporarily clear smog but increase risks related to slippery roads and colder nights. Motorways remain open with caution advised, and fog is expected to return after the rain spell ends. Travelers should plan carefully, drive slowly, and stay updated through official channels to avoid inconvenience.