Cold Wave Tightens Grip as Snowfall Hits Upper Regions

Cold and dry weather continues in most parts of the country, while severe cold and snowfall in the upper regions have affected normal life.

According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of more rain and snowfall in the mountains in the northern regions, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and some parts of Balochistan. Foggy and partly cloudy weather with cold winds is expected to persist in the plains.

The weather in Lahore remained cold and the temperature was recorded between 8 and 9 degrees Celsius. During the day, there was an eye-opening between the sun and clouds, while the humidity in the air ranged from 73 to 100 percent. The city saw a decrease in pollution levels and the Air Quality Index was recorded at 151, after which Lahore came in 17th place in the list of polluted cities. In some areas, visibility was limited to two kilometers due to fog.

The weather in Karachi also remained cold and dry. The temperature was recorded between 11 and 12 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature was 11.5 degrees. According to the Meteorological Department, the cold wave may continue till the end of January. The humidity in the city remained at 65 percent and light winds continued to blow from the northeast. Karachi ranks tenth among the most polluted cities in the world due to air pollution, with a pollution level of 163 recorded.

Cold and dry weather prevailed in Islamabad as well. The minimum temperature was recorded at 4 degrees Celsius while the temperature is expected to go up to 16 degrees during the day. Light cool winds are blowing in the city and there is no possibility of rain in the next 24 hours.

Rain and snowfall have stopped in Mansehra and its surrounding areas, but the severe cold continues. Temperatures in Kaghan, Naran and Shogran have dropped to minus 22 to minus 24 degrees, while the mercury in Mansehra city has reached minus one degree. Work is underway to restore Shahra Kaghan and Shogran Road, but the ban on entry of tourists to Kaghan remains in place. Due to snowfall, the connecting roads of many villages are closed and power supply is suspended in many areas.

A new series of rain and snowfall has also started in the northern areas and Balochistan. Roads have been closed due to snowfall again in Galiyat, Nathia Gali and Murree. Many routes, including the highway leading to the Leepa Valley, have been affected. The intensity of cold has increased after snowfall in Quetta, Kalat, Mastung, Pishin, Chaman and Kozhik Top.

Five people who were hiking in the Leepa Valley went missing during heavy snowfall. Locals and the Leepa Guards of the Pakistan Army are engaged in a rescue operation to search for them. Locals have paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for its timely rescue operation.

According to the Meteorological Department, cold and dry weather will continue in most parts of the country for the next few days, however, there is a possibility of light rain and snowfall in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, while fog is expected to prevail in various districts of Punjab.