Weather update; rain expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Rain and gusty winds are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several parts of Pakistan on Monday and Tuesday, with occasional breaks, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

A shallow westerly wave is currently affecting the northwestern parts of the country and is expected to persist in the upper regions over the next two days.

Due to this weather system, most areas will experience cold and dry weather on Sunday night, except for northwestern Balochistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan, where light rain and snowfall are expected in some areas.

On Monday and Tuesday, cloudy weather with intermittent rain is likely in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Light snowfall is also expected in hilly areas. The minimum temperatures in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will range between 4-6°C and 5-7°C, respectively.

Over the last 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed across the country, with very cold conditions in hilly regions. Leh recorded the lowest temperature in Pakistan, plunging to -7°C, followed by Skardu, Gupis, and Ziarat at -6°C. Other chilly locations included Bagrote, Parachinar, and Hunza (-3°C), Kalam (-2°C), and Kakul, Rawalakot, and Gilgit (-1°C).

In Islamabad, the minimum temperature was recorded at 5°C, with an evening humidity level of 16%. Rawalpindi recorded a low of 6°C, with 14% humidity in the evening.