ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast dry weather for most parts of the country. However, light rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected at isolated places in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to the synoptic situation, a westerly wave was affecting upper/central parts of the country.

During the last 24 hours, rain-wind/thunderstorm with snow over mountains occurred in upper Sindh, northern Balochistan, central/southern Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The lowest minimum temperatures recorded were Leh -7°C, Kalam -3°C, Gupis -2°C and Bagrote -1°C.

Tourist advisory

Tourists have been advised to use precautionary measures and follow safety guidelines during visit to hilly areas to save themselves from untoward incidents and make their journey memorable.

Talking to this agency, the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) official said that a large number of tourists are visiting popular tourist destinations such as Malam Jabba, Kalam, Naran, Kaghan, Swat, Murree, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during the month of Ramazan as well.

He said that numerous people have planned to visit these areas with their families to enjoy the picturesque beauty of hilly areas amid rain.

He urged the tourists to wear appropriate outdoor clothing including preferably a wind-resistant coat or jacket, warm clothing, and inner layers of light and waterproof boots. The official said the AJK tourism department has already constituted welcome receptions, helplines and information centers at all entry and exit points to facilitate domestic visitors and foreign tourists.

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2024