Cold spell deepens as fog shuts motorways, rain and snow forecast

WEB DESK: December could become colder in Karachi, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Friday, as temperatures continue to fluctuate across the country amid dense fog and an incoming weather system.

According to the PMD, Karachi’s minimum temperature dropped to 13.5 degrees Celsius overnight, while the current temperature stands at 19°C. The department said the maximum temperature during the day may rise to around 28°C, but cooler conditions are expected to persist.

Meanwhile, dense fog has severely affected road travel in Punjab, prompting the closure of several motorways. Motorway Police said the M-2 (Lahore to Kot Momin), M-3 (Faizpur to Darkhana), M-4 (Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad), M-11 (Lahore–Sialkot) and M-5 (Multan–Sukkur) have been closed due to poor visibility.

The Motorway Police said the closures were aimed at protecting lives and property, advising citizens to travel during daytime hours. Officials said fog-related travel is relatively safer between 10am and 6pm, urging drivers to use fog lights, avoid unnecessary travel and contact helpline 130 for assistance.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecast rain and snowfall in upper mountainous areas from December 13 to 15. Districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat and Shangla are likely to receive rain and snow, while light rain is expected in Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera and Swabi.

The PDMA warned that snowfall could make roads slippery in areas such as Naran and Kaghan and increase the risk of landslides due to heavy rain and snow.

Separately, the PDMA Punjab said rain and light snowfall are expected in upper and hilly districts of the province between December 14 and 15. Fog and smog conditions are likely to persist in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib and Faisalabad, as well as in Jhang, Sahiwal, Layyah, Kot Addu, Multan, Bahawalpur and Khanpur.

Authorities said moderate fog and smog conditions may continue from December 12 to 16, urging citizens to remain cautious and follow safety advisories.