ISLAMABAD: A significant cold wave is set to grip Pakistan, bringing frosty conditions and sharp temperature drops starting today, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. The cold snap is expected to impact most regions, with daytime temperatures plunging between 4°C and 7°C below normal across the country.
The cold wave will envelop plains of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, with Sindh and Balochistan also experiencing colder-than-usual weather accompanied by gusty winds. The Met Office has urged residents to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of this unusual cold spell.
High-altitude regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan are forecast to experience cold conditions intensified by moderate rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall from the evening of December 7. These frosty conditions are expected to continue intermittently over the weekend.
The regions most likely to be affected by this cold wave include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Buner, Shangla, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Astore, Ghizer, Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Haveli, and Bagh. Plains and cities such as Murree, Galliyat, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Sialkot, and Faisalabad will also experience a noticeable temperature drop and frosty weather during the night of December 7 through the afternoon of December 8.
Farmers have been advised to safeguard sensitive crops and livestock from the cold and frosty conditions. The Met Office recommends planning agricultural activities to minimize potential damage from the freezing temperatures.
Tourists and travelers heading to mountainous regions are urged to remain cautious, as the cold wave may cause slippery roads, reduced visibility, and increased risks of landslides. Prolonged outdoor exposure during the cold and windy nights or early mornings should be avoided to prevent health risks like frostbite and hypothermia.
This cold wave, with its frosty and windy conditions, is a stark reminder of the need to prepare for severe weather during the winter months. As the cold intensifies, citizens are advised to stay informed and prioritize safety during this spell of harsh winter weather.
