Islamabad, November 9, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted rain and snowfall in the upper regions of Pakistan for Sunday, November 10, 2024. According to the PMD, the day will primarily see dry weather across most of the country, but upper areas, particularly Gilgit-Baltistan and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, can expect cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and light snowfall over high-altitude mountains during the evening and night.
The forecast highlights that while much of the country will remain dry, cold temperatures will prevail in the hilly areas, particularly during the morning and night. The PMD also issued a warning for Punjab, where smog is expected to persist, especially in urban areas. Fog, ranging from patches to dense conditions, may develop at isolated locations during early morning and nighttime hours, posing potential hazards for visibility and air quality.
Meteorologists attribute the forecasted conditions to a shallow westerly wave moving over the extreme northern areas. This wave is expected to bring colder, moisture-laden air, contributing to the likelihood of rain and snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The PMD’s forecast for Saturday, November 9, also indicated mainly dry and partly cloudy weather for most areas, with light rain and snowfall over the high mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan. The smog currently gripping much of Punjab has continued, with dense fog anticipated to affect visibility at various points. Drivers and travelers in the region are urged to exercise caution due to the reduced visibility in certain areas.
In the past 24 hours, Pakistan experienced dry conditions, with the typical cold in the hilly regions. However, Punjab saw smog and fog in various parts, maintaining a pattern of low visibility and air quality issues. Rainfall was reported in Bagrote, with a recorded 2mm of precipitation, signaling the beginning of wetter conditions in northern areas.
As of Saturday morning, the PMD recorded some of the country’s lowest minimum temperatures, with Leh at -1°C and Skardu at 2°C. With the incoming westerly wave, temperatures in these high-altitude areas may drop further, amplifying cold conditions.
The PMD advises residents in the northern regions, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to be prepared for colder and potentially slippery conditions due to snow. For those in Punjab, awareness of ongoing smog and fog conditions remains critical to ensure safe travel amidst low visibility.
