Daily routine in South Punjab nearly frozen

A persisting wave of cold weather has tightened its grip across South Punjab, disrupting daily life as temperatures plunged well below seasonal averages.

Cities including Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rahim Yar Khan continued to experience chilly mornings and cold nights, with only brief and light sunshine during past several days.

According to local meteorological observations, maximum temperatures in most parts of South Punjab hovered between 14°C and 17°C, while the minimum dropped to 3°C to 6°C.

In some rural and riverine areas, particularly near canals and low-lying belts, night temperatures were reported even lower, intensifying the feeling of cold due to dense fog and damp air.

An official said that when the gap between maximum and minimum temperatures is less. it intensifies coldness..

He said the current wave would continue till January 20 in South Punjab and rains were not expected during the period.

Experts attribute the unusually intense and prolonged cold spell to a combination of factors. The frequent intrusion of cold continental air from Central Asia, coupled with clear night skies, resulted in rapid heat loss after sunset. Reduced wind flow has allowed cold air to settle, while persistent fog has limited daytime warming by blocking sunlight.

Climate specialists also point to changing weather patterns linked to global climate variability, which is making winter extremes more frequent and prolonged.