Islamabad, December 30, 2023 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather forecast predicting very cold conditions in popular tourist destinations across the country on Sunday, December 31, 2023.
The anticipated weather patterns include cloudy conditions in various picturesque locations, with the likelihood of drizzle and light rain in some areas.
According to the PMD, tourist hotspots such as Murree, Galliyat, Gilgit, Kaghan, Naran, Skardu, Hunza, Chitral, Dir, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, and Neelum Valley are expected to experience cloudy weather on the last day of the year. In specific regions, including Gilgit, Chitral, Dir, Skardu, Hunza, Kalam, and Malam Jabba, residents and visitors may witness drizzle and light rain, potentially transforming into light snow over the mountains.
From Sunday to Wednesday, very cold and dry weather is predicted for most tourist destinations. Ziarat, in particular, is expected to face very cold and dry conditions from Saturday to Wednesday, according to the PMD.
The meteorological department emphasized that predominantly cold and dry weather is anticipated in most parts of the country on Sunday, December 31, 2023. The northern regions and north Balochistan are expected to experience extremely cold temperatures. Additionally, dense fog and smog are likely to persist in the plain areas of Punjab, with the possibility of fog and smog in upper Sindh and the plain areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa during the night and morning hours.
Looking at the current synoptic situation, the PMD reported that continental air prevails over most parts of the country, while a shallow westerly wave is present over the northern regions. This synoptic setup is influencing the prevailing weather conditions.
For Saturday, December 30, 2023, the weather is expected to be mainly cold and dry in most parts of the country. However, upper regions may experience partly cloudy weather with isolated instances of light rain, potentially transitioning into light snow over the mountains, especially in Gilgit Baltistan. Dense fog and smog are likely to persist in the plain areas of Punjab, with similar conditions expected in upper Sindh and the plain areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Reflecting on the weather over the past 24 hours, the PMD noted that cold and dry conditions prevailed over most parts of the country. The northern areas and northern Balochistan experienced very cold and partly cloudy weather. Dense fog and smog were persistent in the plain areas of Punjab.
The recorded lowest minimum temperatures in various locations were as follows: Leh at -09°C, Skardu at -08°C, Gupis at -06°C, Gilgit, and Kalat at -04°C, and Kalam, Hunza, and Srinagar at -03°C.
As the country prepares to welcome the new year, residents and visitors in these tourist destinations are advised to take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe amidst the forecasted very cold conditions.