Islamabad, Rawalpindi weather update: More intermittent rains & hailstorms expected

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted continued spells of intermittent rain, gusty winds, and isolated heavy downpours with hailstorms in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several parts of the country on Thursday evening, night, and Friday.

A strong westerly wave is currently affecting most parts of Pakistan and is expected to remain over the upper regions until Saturday morning.

Due to this weather system, multiple areas, including the twin cities, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, are likely to experience persistent showers, gusty winds, and snowfall over mountainous regions. Additionally, certain areas may witness isolated hailstorms. Balochistan is also expected to receive rainfall and strong winds, while the rest of the country may experience partly cloudy conditions.

Weather Outlook for Friday

On Friday, the PMD forecasts further intermittent rains, gusty winds, and snowfall over the hills in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Heavy rainfall and snowfall may lead to traffic disruptions, road closures, and hazardous conditions in Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli.

Temperature Forecast

• Islamabad: The minimum temperature is expected to range between 10°C and 12°C on Friday and 11°C to 13°C on Saturday.
• Rawalpindi: The minimum temperature is predicted to be between 11°C and 13°C on Friday and 10°C to 12°C on Saturday.

Recent Weather Conditions

Over the past 24 hours, widespread rainfall accompanied by snowfall in hilly areas was observed in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Meanwhile, cold and partly cloudy conditions prevailed in other regions of the country.

Rainfall (mm) Recorded in Key Areas:

• Kashmir: Garhi Dupatta 52, Muzaffarabad Airport 10, Muzaffarabad City 09, Rawalakot 08, Kotli 02
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Pattan 32, Balakot 28, Malam Jabba 19, Kakul 13, Saidu Sharif 12, Kalam 11, Dir 09, Chitral 05, Drosh 03, Bacha Khan Airport, Lower Dir, Dera Ismail Khan Airport 01
• Balochistan: Kalat 16
• Gilgit-Baltistan: Astore & Chilas 13, Skardu 10, Gilgit 07, Bagrote 04, Gupis 03, Bunji 02
• Punjab: Murree 07, Chakwal, Sahiwal, Chaklala-Rawalpindi 01, Islamabad (Saidpur & Golra) 02

Snowfall (Inches) Recorded:

• Skardu: 4.3 inches
• Chitral: 02 inches
• Astore: 1.6 inches
• Kalam: 01 inch

Coldest Regions in Pakistan

Leh recorded the lowest temperature in Pakistan, with the mercury dropping to -4°C. Other cold regions included Parachinar and Gupis at -3°C, while Skardu recorded -1°C.

Humidity Levels

• Islamabad: Minimum temperature recorded at 12°C, with 95% relative humidity in the morning.
• Rawalpindi: Minimum temperature recorded at 12°C, with 94% relative humidity in the morning.

Authorities urge residents in affected areas to take necessary precautions due to expected heavy rainfall, snowfall, and possible disruptions to transportation.