Islamabad, Pakistan weather update; more rains expected

Islamabad is bracing for more rain and strong winds, along with snowfall in hilly areas, as a powerful westerly weather system continues to affect the region.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted that this weather pattern will persist in the upper parts of the country until Friday evening and night.

Residents of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and surrounding areas can expect rain, gusty winds, and snowfall in elevated regions. Similar conditions are anticipated in parts of northeast and central Punjab, the Pothohar region, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Meanwhile, the rest of the country is likely to experience partly cloudy and dry weather.

Over the weekend, most regions will see mainly dry and partly cloudy conditions. However, isolated areas in the Northern Areas and Gilgit-Baltistan may experience light rain, gusty winds, and snowfall in the hills. Additionally, shallow fog could form in some parts of central and south Punjab.

Temperatures in Islamabad are expected to range between 7°C and 9°C on Saturday and Sunday. In Rawalpindi, the minimum temperature will likely hover between 11°C and 13°C on Saturday, dropping slightly to 10°C–12°C on Sunday.

Recent Weather Activity

Over the past 24 hours, significant rainfall, gusty winds, and snowfall in hilly areas were reported across Kashmir, Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northern Balochistan. Some areas experienced heavy downpours, while the rest of the country remained partly cloudy.

Rainfall and Snowfall Details

• Kashmir: Muzaffarabad (City 83 mm, Airport 81 mm), Rawalakot (62 mm), Kotli (43 mm), Garhi Dopatta (40 mm).
• Punjab: Murree (65 mm), Gujrat (51 mm), Narowal (41 mm), Mandi Bahauddin (34 mm), Rawalpindi (Chaklala Airport 34 mm, Shamsabad 26 mm, Katcheri 25 mm), Sialkot (City 34 mm, Airport 33 mm), Islamabad (Saidpur 30 mm, Golra 27 mm, Zero Point 21 mm).
• Balochistan: Kalat (46 mm), Bar Khan (11 mm), Khuzdar (6 mm), Quetta (Samungli 5 mm, Sheikh Manda 4 mm).
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Kakul (38 mm), Balakot (29 mm), Dir (Upper 21 mm, Lower 10 mm), Kalam (12 mm).
• Gilgit-Baltistan: Astore (20 mm), Skardu (17 mm).

Snowfall was recorded in several areas, including Astore (4.7 inches), Skardu (3.8 inches), and Kalam (2.5 inches).

Temperature Highlights

Leh was the coldest place in Pakistan, with temperatures plunging to -4°C. Other chilly locations included Parachinar (-3°C), Gupis and Bagrote (-2°C), and Malam Jabba (-1°C). In Islamabad, the minimum temperature was recorded at 11°C, with 100% relative humidity in the morning. Rawalpindi saw a minimum of 9°C, with 88% relative humidity.

Stay tuned for further updates as the weather system continues to influence the region.