Snowfall in Murree and light drizzles in parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have significantly dropped temperatures, with the mercury expected to dip further 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 reached freezing levels, and the cold wave in the region is forecast to intensify.
Typically, temperatures in Islamabad and Rawalpindi fall to freezing points in December and January. A Met Office official noted that while temperatures in the twin cities reached -1°C in mid-December, a recorded temperature of 3°C was observed on Monday due to cloud cover. However, a further drop is expected today.
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The ongoing weather system is being driven by continental air, with a shallow westerly wave over Kashmir and surrounding areas. This is resulting in cold and dry weather across most parts of the country, with particularly cold conditions in hilly areas during mornings and nights. Frost is likely in parts of Islamabad, Potohar, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while smog and fog may develop in plains areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh.
Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir received snowfall, with Murree experiencing about 2.5 inches of snow. The weather is expected to clear up by Tuesday.
To facilitate tourists visiting Murree, the district administration has taken preventive measures, including spreading salt on highways to prevent ice formation. Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi has visited key areas like Lower Topa, Jhika Gali, and Kuldana to ensure the smooth operation of tourist activities, advising visitors to check their vehicle’s condition and stay informed about weather conditions.
In addition, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Murree, Mughees Ahmed Hashmi, issued a travel advisory emphasizing the use of four-wheel-drive vehicles with a full fuel tank for safety. Tourists are also advised to use tire chains in case of skidding during snowfall and to park vehicles only in designated areas to ensure smooth traffic flow. Traffic rules will be strictly enforced to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
