LAHORE, Nov 9: Winter that has already set in over the hills is slowly permeating the plains of the country, reminding people of the need to prepare for it.

The Meteorological Department on Friday indicated the presence of a westerly wave over the northern parts of the country. It is likely to give light rain over the hills and upper parts of the country in the next 24 hours.

The forecast means further dropping of the temperatures by two to four degrees Celsius in the plains of the country, making nights cooler because of the cold wind of the westerly.

Many hill stations are recording below freezing point. The minimum temperature in Skardu was -6 degrees Celsius, Qalat -3, and Astore and Malamjabba -2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Lahore was 14 degrees Celsius.