RAWALPINDI: Temperature dropped to -1°C in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on the last day of 2020 on Thursday while the Meteorological Department has predicted -2°C for Friday (today).

In the absence of Biting cold has made the lives of the residents of twin cities difficult.

Due to shortage of the natural gas, the people have turned to alternative sources to cook meals.

“December 19 was the coldest day in Islamabad this season when the temperature dropped to -1.5°C, but Dec 31 recorded -1°C,” said Rashid Bilal, Met Office spokesman while talking to Dawn.

He said it was expected the temperature would further drop one degree in federal capital and adjoining garrison city on the first day of New Year 2021.

He said minus degree Celsius temperature was not unusual as it was a routine in winter in Potohar region especially in the federal capital.

According to the Met Office, Continental air is prevailing over most parts of the Country.

Cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while very cold in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, north Balochistan, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

Dense fog is likely to prevail in plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh.

Frost is likely to occur in few plain areas of Punjab during morning hours.

Thursday’s Lowest Minimum Temperature: Astore, Leh -12°C, Gupis, Skardu -11°C, Kalam -10°C, Hunza -8°C, Quetta, Bagrote -7°C, Gilgit -6°C, Parachinar, Dalbandin, Zhob -5°C, Dir, Malam Jabba, Kalat and Rawalakot -4°C.

Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2021