Islamabad, November 1, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued the weather outlook for Saturday, November 2, 2024, forecasting predominantly dry weather across the country, with colder conditions expected in the hilly regions during morning and night hours. Punjab, especially, may continue to experience persistent smog in the morning and nighttime, impacting visibility and air quality.
The PMD attributed these conditions to a prevailing continental air mass that has settled over most regions in Pakistan, influencing a prolonged period of dry weather. This dry air mass has led to a lack of significant moisture and, as a result, little to no rainfall is anticipated in the upcoming days.
For the forecast on Saturday, the PMD expects dry conditions to dominate across the majority of the country, extending from Sindh in the south to the northern regions. However, areas at higher altitudes, such as Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, will experience considerably colder temperatures, especially overnight. Travelers and residents in these mountainous regions are advised to prepare for colder temperatures, particularly during nighttime, and to expect near-freezing conditions.
The PMD has raised concerns about the continued presence of smog in Punjab, especially in urban centers such as Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. With temperatures lowering and dry air persisting, air quality may further deteriorate in these regions due to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and seasonal crop-burning activities. Morning and nighttime smog may reduce visibility, potentially impacting transportation and public health. The public is advised to limit outdoor exposure during smog hours, and those with respiratory conditions are encouraged to take necessary precautions.
Friday’s weather pattern largely mirrored Saturday’s forecast, with dry and clear skies prevailing across most of the country. The PMD reported Leh as the coldest location, recording a minimum temperature of -3°C, followed closely by Skardu at 0°C, illustrating the pronounced temperature drops in northern highlands.
Looking ahead, the PMD’s forecast suggests that dry weather may persist into the coming week, with colder nighttime conditions in hilly areas. The ongoing dry spell raises some concern regarding seasonal precipitation and potential impacts on agriculture in the coming months. However, the PMD is closely monitoring any changes in the synoptic conditions that may alter this trend.
