The intensity of cold weather continues to grip various cities across the country, with snowfall in mountainous regions causing temperatures to drop significantly, reaching as low as minus 11 degrees Celsius.
In the federal capital, Islamabad, temperatures were recorded at -1 degree, while Leh experienced a chilling minimum of -11 degrees Celsius. Other areas reported similarly low temperatures, including Skardu at minus nine, Ziarat at minus eight, and both Quetta and Gilgit-Baltistan at -7 degrees Celsius. Astor and Dalbandin saw temperatures plummet to -6 degrees.
In addition to the cold, dense fog has enveloped parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leading to the closure of several motorways due to poor visibility. The motorway police have announced that the M-2 motorway is closed for traffic from Thokar Niaz Baig to Khanqah Dogran due to severe fog conditions.
Additionally, the M-3 motorway is closed from Faizpur to Rajana, and the Lahore-Sialkot motorway (M-11) is also closed from the toll plaza to Sumbriyal. In Peshawar, the M-1 motorway remains closed for all traffic from Peshawar to Burhan Interchange, with visibility reduced to just 40 meters. The motorway police have stated that these closures are precautionary measures to ensure safety.
Authorities have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during the morning and evening hours, use fog lights, and refrain from speeding to navigate the hazardous conditions safely.
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Severe cold wave grips Pakistan as snow covers mountainous regions
Meteorological department forecasts rain, snowfall across the country
In a related concern, air pollution levels have surged in Peshawar, where the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 263. The Environmental Department reported alarming AQI figures, including 297 on Dilzak Road, 322 in Hayatabad, 246 on GT Road, 300 on Charsadda Road, and a staggering 334 on Warsak Road. These rising pollution levels pose health risks for residents, highlighting the need for timely action and awareness.
