Rain-Bearing System Present Across Punjab, PMD Reveals When Rain Is Expected

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that a rain-bearing system is currently present across Punjab; however, it remains weak, making the chances of rainfall in Lahore low despite cloudy conditions.

According to the PMD, during the next 12 hours, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, northern and western Balochistan, and the Potohar region are likely to receive intermittent rain accompanied by gusty winds, while snowfall is expected in mountainous areas. Other parts of the country are expected to remain cold with partly cloudy skies.

The department further stated that fog and smog are likely to persist in eastern Punjab and upper Sindh. Over the past 24 hours, cold and partly cloudy weather prevailed across most parts of the country, with dense fog reported in some districts of Punjab and upper Sindh, particularly in northeastern Punjab. Meanwhile, rainfall was recorded at isolated locations in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper and central Punjab, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Minimum temperatures recorded included minus 2 degrees Celsius in Leh and Gupis, while Kalam and Skardu recorded zero degrees Celsius.

The PMD said the current rain-bearing system will exit Pakistan by tomorrow, after which dry weather is expected to return across Punjab. However, another weather system is likely to enter the country between December 27 and 31, bringing rain to Lahore and most districts of Punjab during that period.

The department added that temperatures in Lahore are expected to range between a minimum of 9 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 18 degrees Celsius.

Earlier, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab also warned of rain and snowfall with thunder in the province’s hilly areas. Rain and snowfall are expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, and the Potohar region, while light rain is forecast for Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh from December 20 to 21.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said the rainfall would help reduce fog and smog conditions. He advised citizens to use face masks to protect themselves from smog and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. He added that the PDMA control room is monitoring the situation round the clock, facilitation centers have been set up for tourists in Murree, and citizens can contact helpline 1129 in case of emergencies.