Islamabad, January 6, 2025 – Residents of Islamabad are bracing for a fresh cold spell expected to hit the capital within the next 48 hours, with minimum temperatures anticipated to plummet to 0°C.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that the cold wave will bring temperatures ranging between 0°C and 2°C, intensifying the winter chill.
Weather Forecast for Islamabad
The PMD predicts that Islamabad will experience cold and dry conditions, with particularly frigid mornings and nights.
• Monday Night: Islamabad and its surrounding areas will witness cold and dry weather conditions.
• Tuesday: The capital will remain cold and dry, with very cold temperatures during the early morning hours.
Synoptic Situation
The prevailing weather patterns suggest that continental air dominates most parts of the country. A shallow westerly trough is currently affecting Kashmir and its adjoining areas, gradually moving eastwards. This situation is expected to contribute to Islamabad’s colder temperatures.
Nationwide Weather Overview
• Monday: Cold and dry weather will dominate most regions, with very cold conditions in hilly areas. Partly cloudy weather with light rain or snowfall is expected in isolated locations across Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and nearby hilly regions. Moderate to dense fog is likely to persist in some plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh.
• Tuesday: The cold and dry pattern will continue across the country, with significant fog patches expected in Punjab and upper Sindh during the morning and night.
Recent Weather Developments
The past 24 hours saw rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by snowfall in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeast Punjab, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Islamabad experienced cold and dry weather, while hilly areas remained extremely cold. Fog persisted in many districts of Punjab and upper Sindh.
Recorded Weather Data
• Rainfall (mm): Malam Jabba (22), Mirkhani (16), and Astore (10) reported significant precipitation, among other locations.
• Snowfall (inches): Malam Jabba recorded 9.5 inches, Kalam 6.2 inches, and Murree 0.5 inches.
• Lowest Temperatures (°C): Kalat (-10), Ziarat (-9), and Quetta (-7) were the coldest places.
As Islamabad braces for this cold wave, residents are advised to prepare for the extreme weather and take precautions to stay warm and safe. This cold spell underscores the broader climatic trends influencing Pakistan’s winter season.
