ISLAMABAD: A severe cold wave continues across Pakistan, with meteorological authorities indicating that the ongoing and coming week is expected to be the coldest phase of the winter season, accompanied by persistent dense fog in several regions.
According to a weather advisory issued by the National Emergency Operation Centre of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), cold and dry conditions are likely to prevail from January 8 to January 13, with a noticeable drop in temperatures forecast in various parts of the country.
Punjab and the federal capital remain under the influence of the cold spell, as dense fog continues to blanket large areas during nighttime and early morning hours. Islamabad and Rawalpindi are expected to experience frost, while reduced visibility has affected road traffic and caused delays in air and rail operations.
Weather pattern behind the cold spell
The NDMA stated that the prevailing weather conditions are due to a stable high-pressure system over the region, which is keeping cold air trapped near the surface and limiting moisture dispersion. This has resulted in prolonged fog and lower daytime temperatures.
Fog has remained particularly persistent across central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Yes, the current and the coming week will be the coldest due to persistent fog in the region, especially in plain areas of Punjab, KP, and Sindh,” a spokesperson for WeatherWalay, an independent weather monitoring platform, said, in line with official assessments.
The advisory further noted that colder conditions are expected to intensify between January 11 and 13, with a significant temperature decline anticipated in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Cloudy conditions in upper KP and parts of Balochistan may further enhance the cold weather.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, cold and dry weather is expected to persist, with fog in plain areas and cloudy skies in upper districts. Sindh is also experiencing cold conditions, with generally clear skies, while fog continues to affect upper parts of the province.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are forecast to remain cold, with partly cloudy conditions and isolated light rain or snowfall in hilly areas on January 11 and 12.
Authorities have advised the public to take precautionary measures, particularly during early morning and late evening hours when fog is most dense. Commuters are encouraged to use fog lights, maintain safe driving distances, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of low visibility.
