The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has urged citizens to remain cautious, particularly while traveling in fog-affected or mountainous regions.
Weather Conditions Across Provinces
In Punjab, most districts are experiencing cold and foggy conditions. The PMD reported that dense fog may develop in Jhelum, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Bahawalnagar, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Khanewal, Khanpur, Kot Addo, and Bahawalpur. Major cities such as Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, and Gujrat are likely to face smog, which may impact daily life and reduce air quality. Light rain is also possible in isolated areas, but fog will dominate early morning and night conditions.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), fog and cold weather will affect Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, and Dera Ismail Khan. Rain and light snowfall are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Kohistan, with the surrounding mountainous areas receiving heavier snowfall. Travelers have been advised to exercise extreme caution while using mountainous routes due to slippery conditions.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are likely to experience partly cloudy skies, with light rain and snowfall expected in higher elevations, including Skardu, Hunza, Diamir, Ghizer, and Neelum Valley. Temperatures in these regions have already dropped below freezing, with Skardu recording minus six degrees Celsius, and other areas such as Gupis, Bagrot, Gilgit, and Astor seeing temperatures between minus four and minus two degrees Celsius.
Also Read: NDMA forecasts snowfall and fog across Pakistan until December 18
Balochistan will remain cold and partly cloudy in most districts. Severe cold is expected in Quetta, Qila Abdullah, Zhob, Pishin, and Qila Saifullah, while light rain and snowfall may occur in the northern districts. Authorities have urged residents to prepare for extreme cold and avoid unnecessary travel in high-altitude areas.
In Sindh, the weather is forecast to remain cold and dry across most districts. Fog may form in Sukkur, Rohri, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Larkana, and Mohenjodaro during early morning and nighttime hours, reducing visibility. Karachi residents are expected to experience cooler nights, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 30 degrees Celsius during the day and a minimum of 14.5 degrees Celsius at night. Northeasterly winds blowing at 9 km/h and humidity at 58 percent will further contribute to chilly conditions.
Impact and Precautionary Measures
The PMD has advised travelers to be cautious while driving in foggy conditions and to avoid unnecessary journeys, especially during early morning and late-night hours. Motorists are urged to use fog lights, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and follow lane discipline. Mountainous routes in KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northern Balochistan are particularly risky due to slippery roads and potential landslides.
Meteorologists have expressed concern that prolonged dry weather in rain-fed areas could negatively affect winter crops, particularly wheat. The PMD noted that December’s earlier westerly weather system brought little rainfall, with only light snowfall in upper regions. However, authorities are hopeful that two to three upcoming winter weather spells in January may provide relief.
The Met Office also warned that smog intensity in Punjab and KP could worsen air quality, urging citizens to reduce outdoor activities, wear masks, and ensure indoor air hygiene. Wind speeds in some cities like Lahore are expected to help disperse smog, but public cooperation remains crucial for maintaining safe and healthy conditions.
