A new series of westerly winds is set to enter Pakistan this weekend, bringing rain and snowfall to upper regions while dense fog and colder temperatures continue to grip the plains, the Meteorological Department has warned.
According to the department, a fresh wave of westerly winds will enter the country over the weekend. Meteorology Deputy Director Irfan Virk said the system will affect the western and upper parts of Pakistan, bringing changes in weather conditions.
The system is expected to move towards western regions later this week.
The new westerly spell is likely to bring light rain and snowfall in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. According to Irfan Virk, mountainous areas in these regions may receive snowfall, while some western areas could see light rain.
Islamabad may be brushed by the system, but so far only cloud cover has been observed.
Specific forecast for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Met office says the weather will remain cold and partly cloudy in most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rain at a few places is likely in Chitral, Dir, Swat and Kohistan, with light snowfall on the mountains. Rain is also expected at isolated locations in Battagram, Bajaur, Mohmand and Kurram, along with light snowfall in higher elevations.
Officials have warned that the intensity of fog will increase further in fog-affected areas. Dense fog is expected in Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Dera Ismail Khan and surrounding areas.
The Met Department says poor visibility could persist, especially during night and early morning hours.
Punjab to face smog, fog
Most districts of Punjab will remain cold and partly cloudy. Light rain may occur in Murree, Galiat and nearby areas, while smog and fog are likely in Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhelum and Sahiwal.
Fog and smog are also expected in Multan, Khanewal, Khanpur, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur.
Sindh weather to remain dry and cold
The weather will stay dry and cold in most districts of Sindh. Fog may develop in Sukkur, Rohri, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Larkana and Mohenjodaro, according to the Meteorological Department.
Authorities advise commuters to remain cautious during early morning travel.
Most districts of Balochistan will experience cold and partly cloudy weather, while the northern districts will remain extremely cold. Light rain and snowfall are expected at a few places in Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Pishin, Quetta and surrounding areas.
Karachi to see colder nights
Karachi residents have been advised to stay alert as cold intensity is expected to increase in the city. The weather will remain dry during the day, while cool conditions will be felt at night and early morning.
According to the Meteorological Department, today’s temperature may range between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius, with humidity at 58% and northeasterly winds blowing at 9km/h. The minimum temperature has been recorded at 14.5 degrees Celsius.
Meteorologists have expressed concern that lack of rainfall in rain-fed areas could affect the wheat crop. Irfan Virk noted that December’s earlier westerly system passed largely without rain, with only light snowfall in upper areas.
“If there is no rain in rain-fed regions, it will have an impact,” he said, adding that authorities are hopeful for two to three weather spells in January.
The Met office says temperatures will drop further in the coming days, while fog conditions are expected to persist in plains. Citizens have been advised to take precautionary measures, especially while traveling.
