Severe Cold Grips Pakistan; Heavy Snowfall in Mountainous Areas and Freezing Temperatures Recorded

Islamabad: A wave of intense cold has gripped Pakistan, with temperatures plunging to freezing levels across the country. The mountainous regions are covered in a blanket of snow, and lakes and waterfalls in Gharaz have frozen. Popular tourist destinations like Malam Jabba, Kalam, Kaghan, and Shogran are also covered in snow.
In Leh, the temperature has dropped to a chilling minus 13°C, while Skardu and Gopis recorded minus 7°C. Kalam and Quetta experienced temperatures as low as minus 6°C, and Dir and Malam Jabba recorded minus 4°C.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that this cold wave will persist until December 15, with most areas across the country experiencing extremely cold and dry weather. Light rain and additional snowfall are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and surrounding hilly areas.
In the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, southern Punjab, and upper Sindh, light fog is expected in the mornings. The Chief Meteorologist also stated that a rainfall system is expected to develop in early January, although the overall precipitation will be below average.
In Karachi, cold winds have intensified the chill, causing temperatures to drop to 12°C by early morning, with the mercury likely to fall further into single digits.