RAWALPINDI: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)’s National Emergencies Operation Centre on Saturday said the cold and dry weather conditions will continue in most parts of Punjab accompanied by smog and fog in plain areas until December 26.

However, the Potohar region, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, and north-eastern parts of the province may experience cloudy weather with chances of isolated rainfall from December 23 to 24. Cold and dry weather is expected across Balochistan and Sindh from December 21 to 26.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to experience cold weather during the week. However, isolated rainfall is likely in most parts with chances of snowfall in hilly areas. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will experience mainly cold weather while isolated rain and snowfall over the hills is also expected.

NDMA advised local authorities, emergency responders and the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Residents in northern and hilly areas should exercise caution while travelling due to the risk of slippery roads and reduced visibility. People in smog-affected areas are advised to minimise outdoor exposure and take protective measures during low-visibility conditions.

Extreme cold weather, smog to continue till 26th: NDMA

Meanwhile, the cold and drywave gripped the twin cities of Rawalpindiand Islamabad on Saturday with the minimum temperature recorded at 0 degree Celsius, causing health problems for children and elderly people.Cold-related ailments have shot up over the last few days.

According to doctors at three government hospitals, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(lung disease) and asthma cases have increased during the last two weeks. Total 1539 patients were reported in three hospitals with these diseases, including 718 in Holy Family Hospital, 421 in Benazir Bhutto Hospital and 400 in DHQ Hospital.

Doctors said people should increase liquid intakes especially soups and cover their heads and ears to beat the cold. Furthermore, the Met Office said the continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country. A shallow westerly wave is likely to affect western and upper parts from today (evening/night).

Mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country while very cold/cloudy in upper parts. Fog (in patches) is likely in plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh during night/morning hours.

On Saturday, the Met Office recorded the lowest minimum temperature of -13 degrees Celsius at Leh. Other cities were: Skardu -11, Gupis -09, Gilgit, Dir -08, Astore -07, Kalat, Bagrote -06, Quetta, Ziarat and Chitral -06 degrees Celsius.

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2024