Islamabad, February 16, 2025 – The province of Punjab is currently experiencing mild temperatures across most districts, accompanied by scattered rainfall in select areas.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Lahore and various parts of Punjab are expected to witness mild and dry weather over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The PMD reported that Lahore will experience partly cloudy skies with intermittent sunshine. There is a slight 10% chance of rain in the city; however, no significant rainfall is anticipated in most parts of Punjab. The weather is likely to remain dry, providing residents with a pleasant and comfortable environment.
In Lahore, the minimum temperature has been recorded at 10°C, while the maximum is expected to reach 25°C. Meanwhile, hill stations like Murree and Galyat are expected to see cloudy skies, with light rain and possible snowfall.
The ongoing dry weather has prompted local authorities to announce the conclusion of the snowfall emergency season in Murree by February 28. This decision follows an exceptionally dry winter that has significantly affected businesses dependent on winter tourism. Punjab’s popular tourist destination saw minimal snowfall this season, leading to substantial financial losses for traders and shopkeepers who rely on seasonal visitors from Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and other cities.
Business owners reported losses amounting to millions due to the reduced tourist influx. Vendors selling toys, horse rides, and street food faced a sharp decline in customers. The usual festive winter season, which typically spans from December 20 to February 15, was disrupted due to the lack of snowfall. Authorities extended the snowfall emergency until February 28 to prepare for any potential late snowfall, but with Ramazan nearing, the winter tourism season in Punjab is effectively over.
Following the emergency’s conclusion, additional personnel stationed in Murree will return to Rawalpindi, and 19 special facilitation centers will be deactivated. The dry spell has also affected groundwater levels and dam reserves in the Rawalpindi division, raising concerns about water availability in the coming months.
Tourism experts noted that, for the first time in several years, Murree did not experience the usual traffic congestion caused by holiday crowds. The tourism sector in Punjab now faces the challenge of recovering from this unexpected downturn.