Karachi, December 16, 2023 – As winter tightens its grip on Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has released its weather forecast for Sunday, December 17, 2023.
According to the PMD, the majority of the plain areas in the country are expected to experience mainly cold and dry weather, with upper regions anticipating partly cloudy conditions. However, a deviation is anticipated in Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir, where rain, accompanied by light snowfall over mountains, is likely.
For Saturday, December 16, 2023, the PMD had forecasted cold and dry conditions in most plain areas, with cloudy skies prevailing in the upper regions. Upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Kashmir experienced rain, coupled with snowfall over mountains. Additionally, light rain and drizzle were expected in the Potohar region and northeastern Punjab. Fog and smog were also likely to occur in the plain areas of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh during morning and night hours.
The synoptic situation, as explained by the PMD, indicates the influence of a westerly wave affecting the western and upper parts of the country. This weather pattern is expected to persist over the next 12 hours in the upper regions.
Over the past 24 hours, the weather has been characterized by cold and dry conditions across most parts of the country, with very cold temperatures observed in the northern areas. Cloudy weather, accompanied by rain, occurred at isolated places in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, northwestern Balochistan, Kashmir, and northeast Punjab. Murree witnessed light snowfall during this period.
The recorded rainfall in millimeters (mm) during the last 24 hours is as follows: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa – Drosh 04, Mirkhani 03; Balochistan – Kalat 03, Quetta, Samungli 01; Kashmir – Muzaffarabad City 01; Punjab – Sialkot City 01.
The recorded lowest minimum temperatures (°C) today are: Leh -11, Skardu -06, Kalam, Gilgit, Gupis -04, Baramulla, Astore -03, and Dir -02.
As Pakistan navigates through the winter season, residents and travelers are advised to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to ensure their well-being in the changing weather conditions. The PMD continues to monitor and provide timely updates to keep the public informed about any significant weather developments.