Ramadan moon sighting in Pakistan expected on March 1

Pakistan's Meteorological Department has predicted that the moon for Ramadan will be sighted on March 1, with the first day of fasting expected to be on March 2.

According to the department's announcement, the moon will be born on February 28 at 5:45 PM, marking the start of the Islamic month of Ramadan.

The sighting of the new moon on March 1 is expected to confirm the start of the holy month.

Globally, media outlets have also suggested that the Ramadan moon will likely be sighted on February 28 in countries like the UAE and other Gulf nations, setting the stage for the beginning of Ramadan in those regions on March 1.

In Pakistan, the first day of fasting is likely to fall on March 2, depending on the visibility of the moon in different regions of the country.

The announcement has brought much anticipation, with millions of Muslims across Pakistan preparing for the beginning of the sacred month.

Last week, it was reported that Karachi is expected to experience rising temperatures during the last 10 days of Ramadan, with the intensity of heat forecasted to increase starting March 20, according to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz.

However, Sarfraz mentioned that the weather would remain relatively pleasant during the early days of Ramadan. “Days will be comparatively hot, but nights will be more comfortable due to sea breezes,” he explained.

On current weather conditions, the PMD forecasts a slight increase in the cold wave over the next two days, with temperatures expected to drop to around 10-12°C on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

The temperature on Monday was recorded at 13.5°C. Winds are currently blowing at a speed of 7 kilometers per hour from the north, with humidity levels at 32%.

Meanwhile, the Met office has forecast mainly cold and dry weather across most parts of the country over the next 24 hours.

However, rain, along with wind and thunderstorms (and snowfall over higher mountain areas), is expected in isolated regions of Kashmir, north-east Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Additionally, light to moderate fog is anticipated in patches of northeastern Punjab during the morning hours.

The PMD also noted that continental air is currently prevailing over much of the country. A westerly wave is expected to approach the western and upper parts of the country later tonight.