Cold weather sweeps across the nation

ISLAMABAD: As cold weather grips most regions of the country today, the Meteorological Department predicts a likelihood of rain in the western districts of Balochistan.

In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the forecast indicates cold and dry conditions, accompanied by heavy fog in various districts.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa anticipates cold and dry weather in most districts, with the upper regions experiencing even colder temperatures. Morning and night fog is expected in Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Swabi, Peshawar, DI Khan, and surrounding areas.

Punjab is set for cold and dry conditions in most districts, with Murree, Galiat, and nearby areas expecting very cold and partly cloudy skies. Meanwhile, heavy fog is predicted to blanket Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Okara, Kasur, Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Jhelum, Mangala, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Toba Tek Singh, Khanewal, Multan, Khanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Hafizabad, and Bhakkar.

Areas like Leh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Gar du Nawah, and parts of the Potohar region are also expected to experience fog during morning and night hours.

Morning chaos as thick fog continues to grip Islamabad

In Balochistan, most districts will remain cold and dry, with the northern regions expecting partly cloudy skies. However, there’s a possibility of light rain in the western districts of Nushki, Kalat, Turbat, Chagai, and Nokundi.

Sindh is bracing for cold and dry weather in most districts, with fog predicted in Jacobabad, Mohenjo Daro, Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Ghotki, Khairpur, and Padaidan during morning and night hours. Meanwhile, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will experience very cold and dry conditions.

MOTORWAY CLOSURES DISRUPT TRAFFIC ACROSS KEY ROUTES

In a recent update from the Motorway spokesperson, heavy fog has forced the closure of Motorway M5, spanning from Ghotki to Rohri, disrupting the flow of traffic. Additionally, commuters on Motorway M1, between Rishakai and Peshawar, are advised to seek alternative routes as the motorway remains closed due to poor visibility caused by the thick fog.

The impact of the fog extends further, with Motorway M5 shut down from Multan to Rohri and Motorway M1 closed from Peshawar to Islamabad, compounding travel challenges in these regions.

Adding to the list of affected routes, Swat Expressway will also experience closures, specifically from Colonel Sher Khan to Ismaila, as the fog persists, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures for the safety of travelers.