RAWALPINDI: A biting cold has gripped the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and Sunday was the coldest day of the current winter season with the temperature dropping to zero degree Celsius.

Usually, temperatures drop to minus degree Celsius in the twin cities in December and January, but this year it remained between 1 and 2 degrees. However, Sunday was the coldest day recorded so far in the current season by Pakistan Meteorological Department.

The coldest ever day in Islamabad was recorded on December 15, 1984, when the temperature dropped to -4.3 degrees.

“It was the coldest day of this winter season as temperature dropped to zero degree Celsius on January 11,” said the forecasting officer at Met Office while talking to Dawn.

She said that the temperature was likely to rise in the next 24 hours due to clouds and fog. Frost and fog are likely to grip the twin cities in different patches.

Temperature drops to zero degree in twin cities

She said there were no chances of further cold wave from the north, adding the intensity of the cold would decrease in coming week.

“Continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country, whereas a shallow westerly wave is likely to prevail over western and upper parts of the country on Monday,” she said.

The official said mainly cold and dry weather was expected over most parts of the country, while very cold in hilly areas. However, she said partly cloudy weather was expected in upper parts with chances of light rain/light snow in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and adjoining areas.

“Moderate to dense fog is likely to persist over Punjab, upper Sindh and plain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Frost may occur at isolated places in Potohar region and Kashmir during morning hours,” she said.

The Met Office recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Skardu -14 degrees - Leh -13, Astore -11, Gupis -09, Gilgit -08, Ziarat, Qalat -07, Kalam, Hunza -06, Dera, Rawalakot and Parachinar -04 degree Celsius.

Meanwhile, the residents faced problems due to low gas pressure in many parts of the garrison city. Many people were using gas compressors, adding to hardships of others.

Due to the biting cold, children and elderly people are getting fever and other cold ailments.

Meanwhile, the number of people complaining of cold-related ailments has also shot up in the last few days. Doctors say most of the patients were children and elderly persons.

According to doctors, people should increase intake of liquid, especially soup and cover their heads and ears to beat the cold. On the other hand, the cold wave has increased the sale of winter dishes and other edibles.

However, unlike the past years when stalls of traditional food items at Bhabara Bazaar, Saddar and Commercial Market pulled crowds, no such rush has been seen in these areas due to high prices.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2026