ISLAMABAD: A strong westerly wind system is set to enter Pakistan from today, triggering widespread rain, snowfall, dense fog, and a sharp drop in temperatures across several regions, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Authorities have issued advisories warning of hazardous travel conditions, particularly in northern and mountainous areas.
The Met Department said the weather system will first affect Balochistan from December 29 to December 31. During this period, rain is expected in many parts of the province, while snowfall is forecast for mountainous and northern districts. Cities and districts likely to receive rain 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. Snowfall is expected to impact higher elevations, potentially disrupting transport and daily life.
From December 31 onward, the westerly system is forecast to spread to the upper and central parts of the country. Rain and snowfall are expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and adjoining plain areas from December 30 to January 1. Meanwhile, light to moderate rain, accompanied by snowfall in hilly regions, is likely to affect Punjab and Islamabad from December 30 to January 2. Popular hill stations, including Murree and the Galiyat, may experience snowfall during this period.
Authorities have warned that snowfall could disrupt traffic in upper regions. There is also an increased risk of avalanches in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, prompting officials to advise residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, intense cold has already gripped the region, with temperatures in Gilgit dropping four to five degrees below freezing. The PMD has forecast rain, snowfall and strong winds from tonight through tomorrow. A weather advisory remains in effect from December 30 to January 2, with the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority urging residents to exercise caution and remain alert during adverse conditions.
Further south, Karachi is also experiencing a noticeable chill as cold winds intensify across the city. The Met Department said the city may receive its first winter rain tomorrow. The minimum temperature today is expected to hover around 12°C. Currently, the temperature stands at 15°C, with humidity at 70 percent and winds blowing at six kilometers per hour under partly cloudy skies.
In Lahore, cool to cold conditions persist, with cloudy skies expected throughout the day. Westerly winds entering the city may bring light rain, adding to the winter chill. Overall, the PMD forecast indicates extremely cold and dry weather in most parts of Pakistan today, while dense fog is likely to persist in the plains of Punjab and Upper Sindh.
The lowest temperature recorded yesterday was -9°C in Leh, followed by Skardu at -6°C, Gopis at -5°C and Gilgit at -4°C. Kalat, Dir and Astore recorded -3°C. Temperatures in major cities included Islamabad at 4°C, Lahore at 7°C, Karachi at 12°C, Peshawar at 3°C and Quetta at -2°C.
