Dry, cold conditions to persist in Karachi until Jan 30

Cold weather is expected to continue in Karachi until January 30, Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Wednesday.

In an early warning forecast, the department said conditions would remain dry during this period, with cold nights.

Minimum temperatures are likely to range between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius, it said.

The department added that the city could continue to experience the effects of north-easterly winds originating from Balochistan.

Separately, cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while very cold in hilly areas during the next twelve hours, Radio Pakistan reported.

Fog may occur in patches, at a few places in the north-eastern Punjab.

Read: Record snowfall paralyses Naran, Kaghan

The temperature of major cities was recorded this morning. Islamabad and Peshawar are 5 degrees Celsius, Lahore is 10, Karachi is 12, Quetta is -5, Gilgit -4, Murree -1 and Muzaffarabad 0 degrees Celsius.

On the other hand, Naran and Kaghan experienced record-breaking snowfall, paralysing daily life, blocking roads, and cutting electricity supply for the past five days, causing severe difficulties for residents.

The recent heavy snowfall has not only transformed the region into a picturesque winter landscape but also created major challenges for local communities.

Read more: Snowstorm freezes life in Shangla

In Naran and the surrounding areas, snow has accumulated up to seven feet, while in Shogran, Kaghan, and the nearby upper valleys, snow depths have reached five feet.

Such heavy snowfall has not been seen in several years and has intensified the harsh winter conditions.

The prolonged power outage and disruption of communication networks have added to residents' woes.

Reports indicate fallen power lines and poles due to the heavy snow, making restoration efforts difficult.

Authorities, citing the risks of heavy snowfall and landslides, have closed the Kaghan Road beyond Mahandri to all traffic.

Similarly, roads leading to the popular tourist destination Shogran have been temporarily closed to prevent any potential accidents.