Pakistan Experiences Unseasonal Cold as PMD Forecasts Below-Average Rainfall this Winter

A cold wave has firmly gripped Pakistan, with temperatures plummeting to seasonal lows across the country. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has announced that the winter season is expected to be characterized by a prolonged dry spell, affecting water supplies and agriculture in the region.

Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz Khan stated that Balochistan can expect dry and cold conditions throughout December, with no rainfall forecasted. However, a rain system is anticipated to develop in early January, potentially bringing rain and snow to northern Balochistan. This unseasonal weather has transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland, with temperatures dipping as low as minus 4 degrees Celsius in Quetta.

Popular tourist destinations such as Malam Jabba, Kalam, and Murree are experiencing heavy snowfall, prompting the PMD to issue a security alert. The Met Office has warned of severe cold conditions until at least December 14, with cold winds affecting much of the country, from Karachi to Khyber. Islamabad, meanwhile, can expect patches of frost, while southern Punjab and upper Sindh may be hit by shallow fog during morning hours.

Karachi, the country's largest metropolitan city, is experiencing a particularly harsh winter, with the minimum temperature dropping to 11 degrees Celsius on Monday. The Met department's advisory predicts that the cold wave will persist in the province for the rest of the week, with temperatures expected to drop even further.

As the cold wave continues to grip the country, residents and tourists alike are advised to take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe. The PMD will closely monitor the situation and provide regular updates to ensure public safety. With the prolonged dry spell expected to affect water supplies and agriculture, authorities are also likely to take steps to mitigate the impact on the affected regions.