ISLAMABAD: Widespread fog and a severe cold wave are anticipated across the country as a strong westerly wind system begins to affect Pakistan today, bringing significant rainfall, snowfall, and plunging temperatures in various regions, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Authorities have issued travel advisories in light of the adverse weather.
The PMD reports that the system will first impact Balochistan from December 29 to 31, resulting in rain and snowfall over mountainous areas. Key affected locations include Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Nushki, Harnai, Zhob, Barkhan, Sibi, Loralai, Musakhel, Kech, Gwadar, Lasbela, Awaran, Chagai, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Washuk, and Kharan. Northern districts of the province are likely to experience significant snowfall.
By December 31, the weather system is expected to extend towards upper and central Pakistan. Areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and nearby plains may witness rainfall and snowfall from December 30 to January 1. Cities in Punjab and Islamabad are also forecast to experience light to moderate rain along with snowfall in surrounding hilly areas, including Murree and Galiyat, until January 2.
Authorities have advised caution as snowfall could disrupt traffic in upper regions and elevate the risk of avalanches in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during the severe conditions.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, a steep drop in temperature has left regions enduring extreme cold, with readings falling 4 to 5 degrees below freezing. Snowfall coupled with strong winds is expected from tonight until tomorrow. A weather advisory for December 30 to January 2 has been issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, urging locals to remain vigilant during hazardous weather events.
Meanwhile, Karachi is experiencing an intensifying chill as cold winds sweep through the city. The arrival of its first rainfall of the season is expected tomorrow. Today’s minimum temperature is forecast at around 12°C, while current conditions record a temperature of 15°C with 70% humidity. Winds are blowing at six kilometers per hour under partly cloudy skies.
In Lahore, cool weather persists with cloudy skies dominating today. The incoming westerly system may bring light rain to the city. Dense fog continues to envelop plains in Punjab and Upper Sindh.
The nation overall is set to experience extremely cold and dry conditions today. Yesterday’s lowest temperature was recorded at -9°C in Leh, followed by Skardu at -6°C, Gopis at -5°C, Gilgit at -4°C, and Kalat, Dir, and Astore at -3°C. Other cities recorded temperatures as follows: Islamabad at 4°C, Lahore at 7°C, Karachi at 12°C, Peshawar at 3°C, and Quetta at -2°C.
