Cold, fog persist in Punjab and KP; several motorways closed for traffic

Lahore is still in the grip of extreme cold and dense fog with its mercury level plummeting to 6°C leaving citizens shiver in bitter cold, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

Extreme cold and dry weather has been persistent in the Punjab capital since the start of January giving rise to viral diseases like cold, influenza, cough, and pneumonia.

Motorways shut

Like cold, fog in many areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also not relenting.

Several sections of motorways including M1 from Peshawar to Burhan, M2 from Lahore to Momin Kot, M3, M4, M5 and M11 from Lahore to Sialkot have been closed due to dense fog.

According to the motorway police advisory, motorists have been asked to avoid unnecessary travel and if necessary, commute during the daytime from 10 am to 6 pm.

Overall weather

According to the Pakistan Metrological Department report today, mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most plain areas of the country, while very cold/partly cloudy in northern parts.

However, light to moderate rain/wind/thunderstorms (snowfall over mountains) are likely in southwestern Balochistan.

Dense fog/smog is likely to persist in plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh.

Frost is likely to occur at a few places in Pothohar region and Kashmir during morning hours.

Past 24-hour weather

Cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country, while the weather remained very cold in northern parts.

However, partly cloudy weather prevailed in Gilgit Baltistan.

Dense fog/smog prevailed over plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh.

Today's recorded lowest temperatures (°C): Leh -12, Skardu -07, Kalam -06, Gilgit, Gupis and Astore -05, Rawalakot -04, Kalat and Dir -03.

Reporters Rana Faran Yameen and Fatima Khan