Islamabad, December 25, 2024 – Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is expected to witness some relief from the ongoing cold wave, with temperatures projected to range between 1°C and 3°C. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted cold and dry conditions for Islamabad and its surroundings, with particularly cold nights ahead.
For Wednesday, December 25, 2024, the PMD forecasted that Islamabad would experience cold and dry weather throughout the day, with very chilly conditions at night. Moving to Thursday, December 26, 2024, Islamabad’s weather is anticipated to remain cold and dry, although partly cloudy skies may emerge during the evening and nighttime. Frost formation is likely in Islamabad during the early morning hours.
Synoptic Situation
The PMD has reported that continental air is currently dominating most regions of the country, influencing the prevailing weather patterns.
Wednesday’s Forecast
The PMD expects mainly cold and dry weather across Pakistan, with hilly areas experiencing very cold conditions. In Islamabad and its surroundings, similar cold and dry conditions will persist. Smog and fog are predicted to appear in patches over plain areas of Punjab, upper/central Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during nighttime hours.
Thursday’s Forecast
Thursday’s outlook for Islamabad includes continued cold and dry conditions with partly cloudy weather likely by evening and night. Frost is expected in Islamabad and isolated parts of the Pothohar region during early morning hours. Other regions, such as Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir, may experience light rain or snow during the evening and night hours. Smog and fog are likely to persist in patches in Punjab, upper/central Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during morning and nighttime hours.
Past 24-Hour Weather Conditions
Over the last 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed across most parts of the country, including Islamabad. Hilly regions experienced very cold conditions, while smog and fog continued in patches in the plains of Punjab, upper Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Lowest Recorded Temperatures
In the past 24 hours, some of the country’s coldest temperatures were recorded as follows:
• Leh: -13°C
• Skardu: -11°C
• Astore, Gupis: -8°C
• Gilgit: -7°C
• Quetta, Ziarat: -6°C
• Hunza, Bagrote, and Dir: -5°C
Residents of Islamabad are advised to take precautions against the cold, especially during nighttime and early morning hours, as frost and chilly winds may intensify the feeling of cold. The easing of temperatures brings some relief but does not signal the end of winter’s grip on the region.