A fresh wave of westerly winds is set to bring a mix of weather changes to Pakistan this weekend, with rain and snow expected in the northern regions, while dense fog and colder temperatures continue to grip the plains, according to the Meteorological Department.
Meteorology Deputy Director Irfan Virk shared that these new westerly winds will impact the western and upper parts of the country, bringing cooler weather and possible rain and snowfall. The system is expected to move further east towards the western regions later this week.
The upper areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir are likely to see light rain and snowfall as the system passes through. Mountainous regions, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, are expected to receive snowfall, while some western parts of the country could experience light rain. Islamabad may also see some cloud cover, though no rain has been observed yet.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, temperatures will remain cold, with partly cloudy skies in most districts. Light rain is expected in places like Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Kohistan, with snow on the mountains. Rain may also occur in Battagram, Bajaur, Mohmand, and Kurram, particularly at higher elevations.
The intensity of fog is expected to increase in areas that are already fog-affected. Dense fog is predicted in Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Dera Ismail Khan, and surrounding regions, with low visibility, especially during the night and early morning hours.
Most parts of Punjab will stay cold and partly cloudy, with light rain expected in Murree, Galiat, and nearby areas. However, smog and fog will affect Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Sahiwal, making it difficult to see clearly in the morning. Fog and smog are also expected to develop in Multan, Khanewal, Khanpur, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Rajanpur. Sindh will experience dry and cold weather, with fog likely to develop in Sukkur, Rohri, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Larkana, and Mohenjodaro. Commuters in these areas have been advised to exercise caution, especially during the early morning hours.
In Balochistan, the weather will remain cold and partly cloudy, with the northern districts expected to experience extremely cold temperatures. Light rain and snowfall are expected in areas like Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Pishin, and Quetta
Karachi residents can expect a noticeable drop in temperature as the city experiences colder nights. While the day will remain dry, the nights and early mornings will feel cooler. Today, the temperature is expected to range between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius, with humidity at 58%. The minimum temperature is currently recorded at 14.5 degrees Celsius.
Meteorologists have raised concerns that the lack of significant rainfall in rain-fed areas could impact the wheat crop. The earlier westerly system in December largely passed without rain, and authorities are hoping for two to three more weather spells in January to provide the much-needed rain.
Temperatures are expected to drop further over the next few days, with fog conditions persisting in the plains. Citizens have been urged to take extra precautions, especially while traveling, to stay safe during the ongoing cold weather.