Pakistan’s northern regions are currently experiencing cold weather conditions as a westerly wave continues to influence the area. This weather pattern is expected to persist until tomorrow, bringing intermittent rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall across several upper regions.
Weather Conditions in Northern Areas
The National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC) reports that the westerly wave is affecting the upper parts of the country, particularly upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan. These areas are seeing a further drop in temperatures along with precipitation.
Recorded low temperatures include:
- -7°C in Leh, Malam Jabba, Parachinar, and Gupis
- -6°C in Bagrote and Kalam
- -5°C in Astore and Rawalakot
The NWFC forecasts more intermittent rain and thunderstorms in these regions, with heavy rain and moderate to heavy snowfall possible at isolated locations.
Additional Weather Advisory
Cloudy weather with isolated rain and wind is expected in Lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Northeastern Punjab, and Northern Balochistan. Meanwhile, the rest of the country is likely to experience cold and dry conditions.
Tourists are advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during this period, especially in areas prone to snowfall, such as Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli.
The NWFC also warns of potential landslides and avalanches in the hilly terrains of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Kashmir due to the precipitation.
Traffic and Safety Measures
In response to heavy snowfall, traffic police have temporarily halted vehicles heading toward Murree on the Murree Expressway and GT Road to ensure public safety. The National Highways and Motorways Police (NHMP) has issued advisories urging commuters to exercise caution while traveling on the Murree Expressway (N-75) during snowfall.
Videos shared by NHMP show snow removal machinery actively clearing motorways to maintain safe travel conditions.
Weather Update for Karachi
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts cold and dry weather for Karachi over the next 24 hours, with temperatures expected to fall into single digits by Tuesday. The minimum temperature today was recorded at 12°C and is predicted to drop to 9°C. Winds are currently blowing from the east at 8 kilometers per hour, with humidity at 47%.
