Written by Ambreen Ali
Islamabad, November 28, 2024 – The winter season has officially begun, but the prolonged dry spell in Islamabad has brought several health challenges. As November draws to a close, the persistent dry cold has dominated the weather, leaving many feeling its effects. During the day, some residents complain about the heat caused by intense sunlight, while others note an increase in the cold. This unusual pattern of dry cold has left people uncertain about what to expect from the changing weather.
Beyond Islamabad, other cities across the country are also forecasted to experience fog and mist during the morning and evening hours. These include Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara, Hafizabad, Jhang, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Rahim Yar Khan, and surrounding areas. While most districts in Sindh are expected to remain dry, fog and mist are likely in the early morning and late evening in areas such as Kashmore, Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Tandojam. Similarly, dry and cold weather is predicted for most districts in Balochistan.
For residents of Islamabad, however, there is some good news. The Meteorological Department has issued a statement forecasting the arrival of westerly winds in the western regions of the country starting November 28. The statement further predicts that from November 28, heavy winds and thunderstorms with rain are likely in Balochistan and upper regions of the country. Areas such as Quetta, Pishin, Ziarat, and Qilla Saifullah are expected to experience heavy winds and rain with thunder through December 2. Snowfall is also anticipated in the mountainous regions during this period.
Additionally, from November 29 to December 2, regions including Waziristan, Kurram, Mohmand, Dir, Chitral, Khyber, Swat, Malakand, Mansehra, Kohistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kharmang are forecasted to receive rain and snowfall. During the same period, light rain and drizzle are expected in the Pothohar region, Murree, Galyat, Islamabad, and Mianwali.
In light of the upcoming rains, all relevant authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant. The Meteorological Department also noted that the rain is likely to improve air quality in Punjab, although the intensity of fog in the plains of Punjab is expected to increase in the days following the rain.
