Fog intensifies as cold weather grips Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Large parts of the country are expected to experience cold and dry weather on Thursday, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warning of extremely cold conditions in hilly regions during morning and night hours. Smog and fog are likely to continue affecting visibility in several low-lying areas.

Going region by region, the PMD said that in the federal capital and surrounding regions, the day is forecast to remain cold and dry, with patches of morning haze anticipated.

Across Punjab, most districts will see cold, dry weather, while Murree, Galiyat and nearby hilly zones are expected to face extremely cold temperatures in the early and late hours. Smog will continue to blanket Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Gujarat, Jhelum, Sahiwal, Multan, Khanewal, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur, with fog likely to appear at a few locations during morning and night.

In Sindh, conditions will remain dry overall, though the early mornings and nights may feel noticeably cold. Fog is expected in Sukkur, Rohri, Ghotki, Larkana, Mohenjodaro and adjoining areas at night and in the early hours.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region is set for cold and dry weather as well, with hilly areas bracing for extremely cold conditions. Light fog may form in Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Dera Ismail Khan and surrounding localities.

In Balochistan, most districts will experience cold, partly cloudy conditions. Northern parts of the province are likely to see severe cold during morning and nighttime.

Meanwhile, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are also forecast to remain cold and partly cloudy on Thursday, with severe cold gripping both regions in the early and late hours.

Authorities have advised travelers to exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to dense smog and fog, as reduced visibility may disrupt road and air travel.