Islamabad, January 29, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert for tourists, warning of heavy snowfall from January 30, 2024, and cautioning about potential transportation disruptions.
The PMD alert highlights that heavy snowfall is expected over the upper parts of the country on January 30 and January 31, potentially affecting transportation. Tourists are advised to exercise caution and plan accordingly to navigate the challenging weather conditions.
Explaining the synoptic situation, the PMD reports that a westerly wave is currently affecting western and upper parts of the country, and this weather pattern is likely to persist in the upper regions for the next few days.
For Tuesday, January 29, 2024, the PMD forecasts mainly cold weather in most areas of the country, with cloudy conditions in the upper parts. Rainfall (snowfall over mountains) is anticipated in Gilgit-Baltistan, Upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the Pothohar region, Kashmir, and surrounding hilly areas. Shallow to moderate fog is expected in a few plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh.
Looking back at Monday, January 29, 2024, the PMD reported mainly cold and partly cloudy weather in most parts of the country, with cloudy conditions in the upper parts. Rainfall (snowfall over mountains) was observed in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas. Shallow to moderate fog persisted in some plain areas of Punjab.
Over the past 24 hours, the weather was mainly cold and partly cloudy across the country, with rain occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Islamabad, Pothohar region, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Fog and smog prevailed over plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh.
Notable rainfall and snowfall measurements in various regions include Kalam receiving 10 inches of snowfall, Malamjabba with 8 inches, and Astore and Murree each receiving 1 inch of snowfall. Recorded lowest minimum temperatures included Kalam at -06°C, Malamjabba and Gupis at -04°C, and Astore and Hunza at -03°C.
As tourists prepare for potential disruptions due to heavy snowfall, the PMD advises staying updated on weather forecasts, adhering to travel advisories, and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety during this period of challenging weather conditions.