Weather Update: Intense cold hits following rain, snowfall

ISLAMABAD: A severe cold wave spread across most parts of the country on Friday, after rain and snowfall.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rain and heavy snowfall occurred in all provinces and northern areas of the country, after which the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) directed citizens to take precautionary measures.

According to the PMD, heavy rain and snowfall were recorded in Naran, Kaghan, Murree, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Galiyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, and Rawalakot.

Intermittent rain and thunderstorms continued in major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore in Punjab.

Rain and snowfall also continued in most districts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while the weather was cold in Sindh. Light rain occurred in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana.

According to the Meteorological Department, a strong westerly wind is affecting most parts of the country and is likely to persist in the upper areas.

Intermittent rain, strong winds, and thundershowers have been predicted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, and upper and central Punjab, while moderate to heavy rain and snowfall are likely in the higher areas.

Similar weather conditions are expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeast Punjab, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday (today), while cold and dry weather is likely in other parts of the country.

Rainfall was reported in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab, and Sindh during the last 24 hours. 88 mm of rain was recorded in Parachinar, 10 mm in Jacobabad and Sukkur, 12 mm in Khuzda,r and 9 mm in Bhakkar. Up to two inches of snow fell in Kalam, Quetta, and Parachinar.

The minimum temperature was recorded at minus 11 degrees Celsius in Leh, minus 5 degrees Celsius in Gups, Skardu, Bagroot, and Parachinar, while minus 4 degrees Celsius in Kalam.

The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority has issued a weather alert and directed the public to avoid unnecessary travel, especially during snowfall, and to exercise caution in high-altitude areas.

It has been emphasized to ensure the use of snow chains where travel is unavoidable.

The NDMA has appealed to the citizens to make adequate heating arrangements, warm clothes, and arrange safe shelters, especially focusing on the protection of vulnerable groups.

The local population has also been directed to remain vigilant and strictly follow the instructions issued by the relevant local bodies.

Karachi Weather

After the rain in Karachi, the intensity of the cold increased due to icy winds.

It should be remembered that heavy rain fell in different areas of Karachi yesterday. According to the Meteorological Department, the highest rainfall was recorded in Surjani Town at 26.3 mm.

North Karachi received 20 mm of rain, Gulshan-e-Maymar 17.6 mm, Bahria Town Phase 5 14.2 mm, and Saadi Town 10 mm.