A strong westerly wind system is set to enter Pakistan from today, triggering rain, snowfall, dense fog, and extremely cold conditions across multiple regions, the Met Office reported.
According to the Met Office, the system will initially affect Balochistan from December 29 to 31. Rain and snowfall are expected in mountainous areas of the province. Cities and districts likely to see 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 in the northern districts.
The weather system is forecast to spread to upper and central regions by December 31. Rain and snowfall may affect Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and adjoining plains from December 30 to January 1. Light to moderate rain, along with snowfall in hilly areas, is expected in Punjab and Islamabad, including Murree and the Galiyat region, from December 30 to January 2.
Authorities have warned that traffic may be disrupted in upper areas due to heavy snowfall. There is also a risk of avalanches in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, temperatures have dropped 4 to 5 degrees below freezing. The Met Office forecasts snowfall, rain, and strong winds from tonight through tomorrow. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority has urged residents to exercise caution.
Cold winds have intensified the chill in Karachi, with the city expecting its first winter rain tomorrow. The minimum temperature is likely to remain around 12°C. Lahore continues to experience cloudy and cool weather, with westerly winds potentially bringing light rain.
Dense fog is expected in the plains of Punjab and Upper Sindh. The lowest temperatures recorded yesterday included -9°C in Leh, -6°C in Skardu, -5°C in Gopis, and -4°C in Gilgit. Major cities recorded temperatures of Islamabad 4°C, Lahore 7°C, Karachi 12°C, Peshawar 3°C, and Quetta -2°C.
In other news read more about Rain Expected Across Pakistan from December 30 to January 2
The Met Office has advised citizens to stay alert and follow weather updates as the system continues to affect the country.
