Pakistan is currently facing a severe cold wave, with temperatures plunging sharply across multiple regions, leaving residents struggling to cope with the freezing conditions. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Skardu recorded the lowest temperature at minus 13°C, followed by Gupis at minus 10°C, and Hunza and Gilgit at minus 8°C.
In Balochistan, Kalat and Bagrote registered minus 6°C, while Dir saw minus 5°C, and Quetta dipped to minus 3°C. In Punjab, Lahore experienced 5°C, whereas Peshawar and Islamabad recorded near 1°C. Even Karachi faced unusual cold, with temperatures dropping to 9°C.
The PMD has forecast cold and dry weather across most parts of the country this weekend, with dense fog expected to disrupt visibility in several areas, particularly during night and early morning hours. Northern and hilly regions, including Murree, Galiyat, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, are likely to experience severe cold, while plain areas of Punjab, Upper Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may face moderate to heavy fog.
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In Sindh, districts such as Sukkur, Rohri, Larkana, Dadu, and Shaheed Benazirabad are expected to see foggy conditions. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience freezing temperatures with moderate to heavy fog in Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, and surrounding areas. Balochistan will remain cold and dry, with extremely cold conditions in northern districts, though southwestern districts may see partly cloudy skies during the night.
The PMD has advised residents to take precautions against extreme cold, avoid unnecessary travel in foggy conditions, and stay updated with local weather forecasts. Experts warn that dense fog may cause travel disruptions, especially in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urging commuters to exercise caution.
This cold wave underscores the urgent need for Pakistanis to prepare for harsh winter conditions, particularly in hilly and northern areas, while also highlighting unusual drops in temperature in southern cities like Karachi.
