Cold wave intensifies, frost blankets green areas of Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The cold wave intensified across the country Thursday with most areas experiencing dry and chilly conditions. The green areas of Islamabad could be seen blanketed with early morning frost as the minimum temperatures dipped to below zero.

According to the Meteorological Department, most areas of the country will be under the grip of dry cold, fog in plain areas and severe cold in mountainous regions.

In Islamabad, the cold weather tightened its grip as frost settled over green areas. The weather is expected to remain cold and dry in the coming days.

Punjab

Thick fog blanketed upper and central parts of the province, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, and Jhelum. Foggy conditions were also reported in Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Okara, Multan, and Bahawalpur, reducing visibility on major highways.

Lahore remained chilly, with the minimum temperature recorded at 5°C in the morning.

Daytime temperatures are expected to reach 20°C, according to the Met Office.

Lahore continued to suffer from poor air quality, ranking as the fourth most polluted city in the world.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 250, raising health concerns.

Southern Punjab: Areas like Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, and Dera Ghazi Khan are also likely to experience dense fog, affecting daily activities and transport.

Sindh

The Meteorological Department has predicted foggy mornings in Sukkur, Shikarpur, Kashmore, and Khairpur, disrupting visibility and road safety.

In Karachi the weather is likely to remain cold in the next 24 hours, the minimum temperature is expected to hover between 10°C and 12°C at night.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:

Heavy fog is expected in Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Peshawar, and Dera Ismail Khan, further hampering traffic flow.

Balochistan:

Most districts are bracing for icy and dry conditions, with temperatures dropping sharply at night.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir:

Weather in the northern regions is expected to remain severely cold.

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