Pakistan Braces for Cold Wave and Below-Average Rainfall

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning for a prolonged dry spell throughout the country, with temperatures dropping significantly and affecting water supplies and agriculture in various regions. The Met Office also forecasted below-average rainfall for the winter season, leaving Balochistan expected to face dry and cold conditions in December, with no rainfall anticipated.

The Met Office has issued a security alert for Murree and Galiyat due to the heavy snowfall in the region, and rescue operations were carried out for around 300 tourists stranded in Shogran due to intense snowfall. Meanwhile, the snowfall has enhanced the charm of popular tourist destinations such as Malam Jabba, Kalam, and Murree.

Frosts are expected to cover Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's plains, and upper Punjab during the morning hours, while shallow fog may blanket southern Punjab and upper Sindh. Karachi has also been gripped by a cold wave, with the city shivering at a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius. The Met Office forecasts dry weather with cool nights and minimum temperatures ranging between 11°C and 12°C over the next two days.

The cold wave and below-average rainfall have significant implications for the country's agriculture and water supplies. The prolonged dry spell may lead to reduced crop yields and affect the livelihoods of farmers in the affected regions. The government and meteorological department will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the weather conditions.