Much of the country is bracing for another spell of cold and dry weather tonight, with temperatures dipping sharply in northern and hilly areas.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast partly cloudy to cloudy conditions across Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), upper Punjab and northern Balochistan, while smog and fog are expected to affect visibility in several districts.
According to the forecast, very cold conditions will prevail in mountainous regions, while plains in Punjab and KP may see smog and patches of fog, especially during late-night and morning hours.
Friday’s Forecast
The federal capital and its surrounding areas are expected to experience cold and partly cloudy weather, typical of early winter patterns.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Most KP districts will remain cold and partly cloudy, with hilly areas turning very cold during night and morning. Light rain or light snowfall is likely on higher elevations in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram and nearby regions. Fog may develop in Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, DI Khan and adjoining areas.
Punjab: The province will see cold, partly cloudy conditions, including in Murree, Galiyat and nearby hill stations. Smog is expected to persist in major cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur and others. Fog may appear at isolated spots during morning and night.
Sindh: Most districts of Sindh will remain dry, with cooler temperatures expected during morning and night.
Balochistan: Weather across the province is expected to stay cold and partly cloudy, with northern areas turning extremely cold, especially during the night.
Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan: Both regions are likely to witness partly cloudy skies, with chances of light rain or snowfall at a few locations.
Minimum Temperatures: The cold wave tightened its grip as several northern stations recorded sub-zero temperatures:
Leh: –9°C
Skardu: –7°C
Ziarat: –6°C
Gopis: –5°C
Gilgit, Quetta: –4°C
Chitral, Dir, Kalat: –3°C
As winter intensifies, residents across the country are advised to take precautions, especially while traveling in areas prone to smog or fog.
Reporter: Rozina Ali