Slightly below normal rainfall is expected across the country during Jan 2018, the Met Office has forecast. Snowfall is also likely to remain slightly below normal during the month. It said that the mountainous region of the upcountry is expected to receive up to three spells of rain with a snowfall. However, fog is likely to prevail over the plains of Punjab and Upper Sindh during morning hours in Jan next year.

"The prevailing global climate and weather conditions indicate that weak La Nina conditions are likely to persist into the first quarter of 2018 and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is expected to remain positive during the period," the Met said.

In the next 24 hours: Mainly cold and dry weather is expected in the most parts of the country with fog engulfing a few plain areas of Punjab and Upper Sindh during morning hours. Temperature in Astore fell to minus 9 degrees Celsius, Gupis minus 7, Quetta, Kalam and Hunza minus 6, each, Gilgit minus 5, Dir and Skardu minus 4, each, over the past 24 hours. "Continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country," it said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017