Stronger-than-usual winds are sweeping across Karachi, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported on Wednesday.
The Met Office said that winds are blowing from the north-eastern part of Balochistan at a speed of 30 kilometres per hour. Officials warned that wind speeds could rise above 40 kilometres per hour later in the day. The department added that these winds have brought a slight chill to Karachi’s weather.
According to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan, PMD has forecast mainly cold and dry weather across most parts of the country over the next 12 hours. Very cold and partly cloudy conditions are expected in the hilly regions.
This morning, temperatures in major cities were recorded as follows: Islamabad 7°C, Peshawar 7°C, Lahore 14°C, Karachi 18°C, Quetta 5°C, Gilgit 3°C, Muzaffarabad 3°C and Murree -1°C.
On Tuesday, a fresh spell of snowfall along with intermittent rain hit Murree, Abbottabad and the Galiyat region, causing temperatures to drop sharply. Authorities issued travel advisories while assuring tourists that roads were being cleared and necessary arrangements were in place.
In Murree, up to four inches of snow fell by late night, with light snowfall later turning into intermittent rain. Murree District Police Officer Dr Mohammad Raza Tanveer Sapra said that all roads in the hill station remained open and traffic was moving normally. Temperatures had dropped to around 3°C. There were no reports of blocked routes or stranded vehicles.
Tourists were advised to exercise caution due to fog and slippery roads, use fog lights, avoid speeding and overtaking, and maintain safe distance between vehicles. Emergency assistance is available through helpline 15 and the traffic police.
Meanwhile, a second spell of snowfall with continuous rain in Thandiyani, Nathiagali, Ayubia and other hilly areas of the Galiyat pushed temperatures below the freezing point.