Cold Spell Persists, Snow Expected in Northern Areas

News Desk/APP
Islamabad: Cold and dry weather is likely to continue across most parts of Pakistan, while isolated rain and snowfall are expected in several northern and hilly areas, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said.
The weather system is likely to bring light rain or snowfall to parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat and adjoining areas over the next 24 hours.
Islamabad is expected to remain cold and partly cloudy, with isolated drizzle or light rain possible during the afternoon and evening.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, mainly cold and dry conditions are forecast, although isolated rain or snowfall may occur in Mansehra, Abbottabad, Battagram, Kohistan, Dir, Swat and surrounding areas.
Most parts of Punjab are also expected to remain cold and dry. However, Narowal, Sialkot, Jhelum and nearby areas may experience partly cloudy skies with occasional light rain or drizzle. Murree and Galiyat are likely to remain cold and cloudy, with rain or snowfall possible mainly in the afternoon and evening.
Sindh is expected to remain cold and dry, while most parts of Balochistan will also experience similar conditions. Northern districts of Balochistan are likely to remain particularly cold.
Very cold and cloudy weather is forecast for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, where isolated rain and snowfall may occur.
The cold conditions were also reflected in the latest temperature readings. Leh recorded the country’s lowest temperature at minus 8 degrees Celsius, followed by Kalam at minus 7°C and Gupis at minus 6°C. Malam Jabba and Skardu recorded minus 5°C, while Astore fell to minus 4°C.
During the past 24 hours, isolated rainfall was recorded in Kashmir, Zhob, Khuzdar and Pattan. Garhi Dupatta received the highest rainfall at 7mm, followed by Zhob with 5mm, Khuzdar with 2mm and Pattan with 1mm.
In Lahore, partly cloudy weather persisted, with similar conditions expected during the next 24 hours. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 11°C on Monday.
According to the Met Office, a shallow westerly wave is currently affecting the northern and western parts of the country, contributing to the possibility of isolated rain and snowfall in higher-altitude areas.