Severe Cold Wave Grips Balochistan as Kalat Records Minus 12°C, Alert Issued for More Cold and Strong Winds

**Quetta:** A severe to extreme cold and dry spell is expected to persist across most parts of Balochistan, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre Balochistan.

The Met Office said that on Friday, extremely cold and dry weather conditions will prevail in much of the province. Night-time temperatures in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Noshki, Mastung and Kalat are likely to drop between minus 4°C and minus 6°C, while the cold intensity (wind chill) is expected to be more severe during the morning hours.

Strong winds are also forecast in Kech, Panjgur, Washuk, Kharan, Noshki, Pishin, Quetta, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Ziarat, Harnai and Mastung. Dusty winds may affect Washuk, Kharan, Panjgur and Kech.

On Saturday, cold to very cold and dry weather is expected to continue in most parts of the province, with extremely cold conditions in northern and northwestern districts. Partly cloudy to cloudy weather is also likely in Kech and the northwestern areas.

During the past 24 hours, rain and snowfall were reported in Quetta, Zhob, Barkhan, Uthal, Loralai, Chaman and Kalat, accompanied by strong winds in several areas. Kalat recorded the lowest temperature in the province at minus 12°C.

The Meteorological Department has advised residents to take precautionary measures in view of the prevailing and expected harsh weather conditions.