Islamabad, December 24, 2023 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a chilling prediction for the northern regions of the country, forecasting extreme cold weather on Monday, December 25, 2023.
As the Christian Community of the nation anticipates Christmas festivities, the PMD alerts residents in the northern areas to brace for frigid conditions.
According to the Meteorological office, Monday’s weather outlook includes predominantly cold and dry conditions across most regions. However, the northern parts of Balochistan and the northern regions of the country are expected to experience very cold temperatures. Additionally, fog and smog are likely to persist in the plain areas of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh, creating potential challenges for travelers and locals alike.
Looking back at the weather on Sunday, December 24, 2023, the forecast indicated mainly cold and dry conditions over most parts of the country. The upper regions experienced partly cloudy weather, with isolated instances of light rain (and light snow over mountains) in Gilgit-Baltistan and upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Once again, fog and smog were expected to linger in the plain areas of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh.
The PMD attributed these weather patterns to a shallow westerly wave present over the northwestern parts of the country, influencing the temperature and precipitation dynamics in the region.
Over the past 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of Pakistan, with northern areas experiencing very cold and partly cloudy conditions. The recorded lowest minimum temperatures tell the tale of the bone-chilling cold gripping the northern landscapes: Skardu and Leh recorded -08°C, Hunza at -05°C, Kalam and Gupis at -04°C, and Gilgit at -03°C.
The impending extreme cold on Christmas Day raises concerns for residents, emphasizing the importance of taking necessary precautions to safeguard against the harsh weather conditions. Authorities are urging people in the affected areas to stay updated on weather forecasts, dress warmly, and exercise caution when traveling.
As the nation prepares to celebrate Christmas, the weather forecast serves as a reminder of the diverse and sometimes challenging climate experienced across Pakistan. The PMD will continue to monitor and update the weather situation, providing essential information to help communities navigate the winter weather safely.
