A strong cold wave continues to affect large parts of Pakistan, with snowfall, rain and freezing winds intensifying winter conditions. The Meteorological Department has warned that cold weather, along with intermittent rain and snowfall, will persist in the coming days.
The second snowfall of the winter season continues across various areas of Balochistan, including Quetta, significantly increasing the intensity of the cold. Snowfall has been reported in Kalat, Mastung, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Ziarat, Qila Abdullah and Chaman.
Rain and snowfall are also continuing in Kan Mehtarzai, Muslim Bagh, Chagai, Nushki, Sorab, Kharan, and surrounding areas. Authorities say snowfall has been ongoing throughout the night in several districts, further dropping temperatures.
Karachi shivers under icy winds
Karachi remains in the grip of cold weather, with icy winds making conditions feel colder than usual. The minimum temperature was recorded at 10 degrees Celsius, according to the Met Department.
Officials say the cold intensity in Karachi is expected to continue until the end of January, with dry weather likely over the next 24 hours, although colder nights are expected.
Cold winds persist in Lahore
The intensity of cold continues in Lahore, driven by cloudy conditions and chilly winds. The minimum temperature has dropped to 8 degrees Celsius, the Met Department said.
Light rain is also likely in Lahore tonight or tomorrow, which could further increase the chill in the city.
Extremely low temperatures were recorded in northern areas. Leh recorded -12 degrees Celsius, the lowest in the country.
Temperatures dropped to -8 in Kalam and Ziarat, -7 in Astore, Gopis and Parachinar, -5 in Malam Jabba, Kalat and Rawalakot, and -4 in Nathia Gali. Meanwhile, temperatures stood at 3 degrees in Islamabad, 6 in Lahore, 11 in Karachi, 4 in Peshawar, and -2 in Quetta.
Rain and snowfall forecast for Islamabad, KP
The weather in Islamabad and surrounding areas is expected to remain cold and partly cloudy, with rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms likely in the evening or night.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, cold and partly cloudy weather will prevail in most districts. Rain and snowfall are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla and Kohistan, while rain is forecast in Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar and Charsadda, with snowfall on mountainous areas.
Rain and snowfall on the mountains are also expected in Nowshera, Swabi, Malakand, Mardan, Kohat, Kurram, Khyber, Hangu, Parachinar, Bajaur, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.
Punjab to see scattered rain; snow in Murree and Galiyat
Most districts of Punjab are expected to experience cold and partly cloudy weather. Rain is forecast at a few places in Layyah, Bhakkar, Khushab, Mianwali, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Khanpur, Multan, Jhang, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar.
Evening or night rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Attock, Jhelum and Mandi Bahauddin, while Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Chiniot and Sheikhupura may also receive rain. Rain is also expected in Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Okara, while Murree, Galiyat and surrounding areas are likely to receive rain and snowfall in the afternoon.
Sindh and Balochistan remain cold
Cold and partly cloudy weather is expected in most districts of Sindh, with rain likely in Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Dadu.
In Balochistan, cold and partly cloudy conditions will persist. Rain and snowfall are expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai, Zhob, Kalat, Barkhan, Sibi, Loralai, Bolan, Mastung, Jhal Magsi and Sherani.
Rain and snowfall are also likely in Turbat, Gwadar, Jiwani, Kech, Awaran, Chagai, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Washuk and Kharan.
Abbottabad and Galiyat are experiencing freezing temperatures, with snow blanketing large areas. Power supply in Abbottabad has remained suspended for four days, while village link roads remain blocked, causing difficulties for local residents.
Due to severe weather, tourist entry into Galiyat has been banned, and hotels have started to empty as conditions worsen.
