Cold, dry weather grips Pakistan as fog intensifies across plains

WEB DESK: A strong continental air mass continues to dominate Pakistan’s climate, bringing cold and dry conditions nationwide on Tuesday, with a sharper winter chill settling into both northern and southern regions.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), most parts of the country will remain cold and dry, while severe nighttime cold is expected in mountainous and northern areas. Fog and smog are likely to thicken across major plains, particularly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reducing visibility during late-night and early-morning hours.

Going region by region, the PMD said that the capital Islamabad and its surrounding areas will experience cold, dry weather.

Across Punjab, most districts, including Murree, Galiyat, Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Multan, DG Khan and Bahawalpur, are likely to see widespread fog/smog, impacting travel and air quality.

Sindh will remain dry, with noticeably colder nights. Karachi is bracing for a significant temperature drop as cold winds from Quetta sweep into the city. The PMD says nighttime temperatures in the metropolis are expected to fall to 13°C–15°C over the next 24 hours, bringing a sharp chill to the coastal region.

Cold and dry weather will prevail across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with severe cold at night in hilly regions. Light to moderate fog is expected in Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, DI Khan and nearby areas.

Balochistan will also get cold and dry weather. However, the northern territories, including Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, will face cold weather with particularly harsh cold after sunset.

WINTER GETTING STRONGER

The Met Office warns that temperatures are expected to dip further in the coming days as the winter spell intensifies. Smog and fog remain key concerns in low-lying regions where visibility has already reduced, hampering road travel and worsening air quality.

Most regions report cold, dry weather today, while mountainous areas experiencing particularly frigid conditions. Punjab and KP’s plains will see dense smog and patchy fog, potentially contributing to hazardous early-morning visibility levels.

The PMD advised commuters to exercise caution during fog hours and to stay updated with local forecasts as the cold wave strengthens across the country.