Snowfall in Murree and light drizzles in parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Monday have made the weather significantly colder, with temperatures expected to drop to 0°C or -1°C in the twin cities this week, according to the Met Office.
Over the past three days, temperatures have already fallen to the freezing point, and the meteorological department forecasts that the cold wave in the region will intensify further, Dawn has reported.
“Typically, temperatures in Islamabad and adjoining Rawalpindi reach freezing levels in December and January,” a Met Office official told Dawn.
“In mid-December, the temperature dropped to -1°C for two days, but on Monday, the temperature in the twin cities was recorded at 3°C due to cloud cover.”
The official added that a further drop in temperatures is expected on Tuesday (today), noting that sub-zero temperatures are routine during winter in the Potohar region, particularly in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The Met Office also reported that continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country, with a shallow westerly wave present over Kashmir and adjoining areas. Most regions can expect cold and dry weather, while hilly areas will experience very cold conditions, especially during mornings and nights.
Frost is likely in parts of Islamabad, the Potohar region, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the early morning hours, while patches of smog and fog are expected in plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh during the morning and night.
On Monday, drizzle was recorded in parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with snowfall in Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir. Murree received approximately 2.5 inches of snow. The weather is expected to remain clear on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Murree district administration has taken measures to facilitate tourists, including spreading salt on highways to prevent ice accumulation. Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi visited key areas in Murree during the snowfall, including Lower Topa, Jhika Gali, Kuldana, Barian, and Kali Mati, and directed the administration to provide maximum support to tourists.
He advised visitors to ensure their vehicles are mechanically fit and to remain aware of the weather conditions. All administrative departments are on high alert, and tourists are urged to cooperate with the authorities.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Murree, Mughees Ahmed Hashmi, issued a travel advisory for tourists visiting the hill station. He emphasized the importance of using mechanically fit four-wheel-drive vehicles with a full fuel tank.
To avoid mishaps, motorists are advised to wrap chains around their vehicle tires in case of skidding during snowfall. Additionally, tourists are reminded not to park vehicles in no-parking zones along roads, as designated parking areas are available to ensure smooth traffic flow.
The CTO also requested tourists to follow the instructions of traffic wardens deployed at various points in Murree during snowfall. He highlighted their role in ensuring safety and maintaining traffic order. Tourists facing traffic issues are encouraged to contact the traffic control room for assistance. Any violations of traffic rules will not be tolerated, the CTO warned.