ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted the prevailing foggy conditions and cold weather to persist in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and most parts of Pakistan during the current week.

As per the synoptic situation, a westerly system prevails over Balochistan. It is likely to affect Balochistan and upper parts of Pakistan till January 5.

Under these conditions, mainly cold and dry weather is expected in the twin cities and most parts of the country on Thursday night, Friday and Saturday.
Cloudy weather and rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over hills is expected across Balochistan and at isolated places in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Fog update for Pakistan

Dense fog/smog is likely to persist in Islamabad, Punjab (Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Okara, Kasur, Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Jhelum, Mangla, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Toba Tek Singh, Khanewal, Multan, Khanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Hafizabad, Bhakkar, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan and surroundings), upper Sindh and plain areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa during the period.

Dense fog/smog may force the closure of Motorways and disrupt traffic on other inter and intra city roads including the National Highway.

In Islamabad, the minimum temperature will likely remain between 02-04 degrees Celsius on Friday and 03-05 C on Saturday.
In Rawalpindi, the minimum temperature will likely remain between 02-04 C on Friday and Saturday.
Meanwhile, cold and dry weather persisted across Pakistan during the last 24 hours.

Extremely cold weather prevailed in northern areas and north Balochistan.

Rain update for Pakistan

Rainfall (mm): Pasni 03, Gawadar 01

Fog update for Motorways, National Highway

Dense fog/smog forced closure of portions of Motorways (Peshawar-Swabi, Swabi-Islamabad, Islamabad-Kallar Kahar, Kallar Kahar-Pindi Bhattian, Pindi Bhattian-Lahore, Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad, Lahore-Abdul Hakim, Sialkot-Lahore, Faisalabad-Multan and Multan-Sukkur).

Less visibility also disrupted normal vehicular movement on the National Highway and other inter and intra city roads.

It also affected flight operation and schedule of passenger trains.

Leh remained the coldest place in the country where mercury dropped to 11 C below freezing.

In Islamabad, minimum temperature was recorded at 03 C.

Relative humidity in the evening was recorded at 74 per cent.

In Rawalpindi, minimum temperature was recorded at 03 C.

Relative humidity in the evening was recorded at 77 per cent.