Islamabad, December 6, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather forecast predicting snowfall over the hills on Saturday, December 7, 2024, as a westerly wave is set to affect the upper parts of the country. According to PMD, cold and dry weather will dominate most regions, with cloudy conditions expected in the northern and higher altitude areas.
PMD’s forecast indicates that light to moderate rain, accompanied by wind and thunderstorms, is anticipated in regions such as upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, with snowfall likely over the hills. The forecast also predicts cooler temperatures in the Pothohar region of Punjab, including Islamabad, and other areas in upper and central Punjab.
The synoptic situation outlined by PMD shows that a westerly wave, which is expected to enter the region tomorrow, will bring unsettled weather to northern and western parts of Pakistan. This system will result in colder temperatures, especially in mountainous areas, and may bring brief spells of rain and snowfall, particularly in areas above 2,000 meters, including the hilly areas of the north.
On Friday, December 6, 2024, PMD reported that cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of Pakistan, with very cold conditions in the northern regions. Shallow fog was observed in isolated plain areas of southern Punjab and upper Sindh, but it was expected to clear by midday. The weather in major cities such as Lahore, Karachi, and Multan remained dry, with temperatures slightly lower than usual for this time of year.
PMD also provided details on the minimum temperatures recorded over the past 24 hours. The coldest place in the country was Leh, where the temperature dropped to -10°C. Other notably cold areas included Skardu at -09°C, Astore, Gilgit, Gupis, and Kalam at -05°C, while Hunza recorded -04°C. Kalat and Chitral saw temperatures drop to -03°C and -02°C, respectively, while Quetta was recorded at -01°C.
As the westerly wave moves into Pakistan, PMD cautions the public to prepare for colder weather, especially in the northern and hilly areas, and advises travelers to exercise caution when traveling to high-altitude areas due to the possibility of snow and icy conditions.