A severe cold wave has gripped the upper regions of the country, paralysing routine life as temperatures continue to plummet due to icy winds.

In Skardu, the mercury has dropped to a chilling minus 9°C, marking an unusual intensity in the cold, while heavy snowfall continued in mountainous areas.

According to the Meteorological Department, the change in weather is caused by westerly winds which have entered the hilly areas, triggering a new spell of rain and snowfall.

Reports of intermittent snowfall have been received from Astore, Babusar Top, and surrounding regions, further intensifying the cold.

As a result of the heavy snowfall, several link roads have been blocked, leading to difficulties for local residents.

The Met Office has forecast that between January 20 and 23, there is a high likelihood of more rain and snowfall in the upper areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, with the cold wave expected to persist.

Weather experts also predict that chilly weather with partly cloudy skies in Islamabad and Kashmir over the next week.

Dense fog prevailed in the plain areas of Punjab, upper Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reducing visibility and disrupting traffic flow.

The Meteorological Department advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, as the cold weather is expected to worsen in the coming days.