Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Fast-changing climate streaks and unusual weather patterns predict no rain on Christmas this year.
Christmas gets a foggy spell every year; however, since November, the westerly winds have been passing through the country at high altitudes, delaying winter rains this year. Weather is being controlled due to this unusual weather pattern throughout the year, starting from the absence of the spring season at the outset, as winter had directly transformed into summer in March. This trend continued further, and the monsoon spells kept diverting to the Arabian Sea due to rising sea surface temperatures, bringing monsoon-fed floods in the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh.
Christmas preparations
On the other hand, Christmas preparations are under way across the country like other parts of the world.
Motorways
Motorway M-1, from Peshawar to Islamabad, and Swat Expressway from Colonel Sher Khan to Ismaila have been closed for all traffic due to heavy fog. In contrast, motorway M-1, from Islamabad to Rashakai, has been opened for all types of traffic due to reduced fog intensity.
Motorway police precautions
Motorway police have requested that the public avoid unnecessary travel in foggy weather, to use fog lights in vehicles. People are advised to keep a distance between the vehicles more than in normal conditions. Before starting the journey, help can be taken from helpline 130.
Today’s weather
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (MET) has forecast cold and dry weather in most parts of the country, while very cold in northern areas and north Balochistan during next 24 hours.
Foggy condition
Dense foggy conditions will likely continue over plain Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh. Frost is likely to occur at isolated places in Pothohar and Kashmir region during morning hours.
As per the synoptic situation, continental air prevails over most parts of the country.
Air quality
The air quality in Lahore is 223 US AQI; in Bahawalpur, it is 170, 169 in Muridke,169 in Rawalpindi, and 166 in Sialkot. In Sindh, the air quality in Karachi is 230 US AQI,222 in Mirpur Khas, while Islamabad’s air quality stands at 160. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, air quality is 177 in Peshawar and 99 in Abbottabad.
Recorded temperatures
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (Met), a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius (°C) temperature was recorded in Islamabad, 8°C in Lahore, 11°C in Karachi, and 3°C in Peshawar, -3.5 °C in Quetta and 5°C in Gilgit.
Minimum recorded temperatures
Today’s Recorded Lowest Minimum Temperature’s (°C): Leh -12, Skardu -11, Ziarat -0,8, Astore -07, Kalam, Gilgit, Kalat -06 and Hunza -05.
