Islamabad, January 10, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a frost alert for Kashmir on Thursday, January 11, 2024, cautioning residents of potential cold weather conditions.
The dialer weather forecast from PMD indicates that mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most plain areas of the country, with very cold conditions in the northern parts and north Balochistan.
The forecast highlights the persistence of dense fog/smog in the plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh. Moreover, frost is likely to occur at a few places in Kashmir and the Pothohar region during the morning hours on Thursday.
The PMD has also issued a warning about the likely continuation of dense fog over the plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh throughout the week. Citizens are advised to exercise caution while commuting in such conditions. Day temperatures are expected to remain below normal in most parts of Punjab due to the prevalence of dense fog.
As of the weather on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, the PMD foresees mainly cold and dry weather in most plain areas of the country, with particularly very cold conditions in the northern parts and north Balochistan. Dense fog/smog is anticipated to persist in the plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh.
Explaining the synoptic situation, the PMD stated that a continental air mass is prevailing over most parts of the country, contributing to the current weather patterns.
Reviewing the weather conditions over the past 24 hours, the PMD reported that cold and dry weather dominated most parts of the country. The northern parts and north Balochistan experienced very cold conditions, while dense fog/smog prevailed over the plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh.
The PMD provided the lowest recorded minimum temperatures for the day, with Leh at -11°C, Skardu at -09°C, Kalam at -07°C, Kalat and Gupis at -06°C, and Srinagar, Gilgit, Astore at -05°C. Additionally, Quetta, Chitral, Dir, and Rawalakot recorded -03°C as their lowest minimum temperatures.
Residents, especially those in Kashmir and the Pothohar region, are urged to take necessary precautions in light of the frost alert, while commuters in the northern plains are advised to be cautious due to the persistent dense fog. The PMD continues to monitor the evolving weather situation and will provide timely updates as needed.