QUETTA, Feb 17: Quetta valley and most of northern and central Balochistan are in the grip of severe cold with temperature dropping to five degrees Celsius below freezing point on Thursday.

Strong chilly winds lashed the provincial capital and other areas throughout the day. The maximum temperature in the city was 6.8 degrees Celsius. Most streets and markets were deserted, except the used clothes' market where some people were seen buying woollies.

The meteorological department forecast that the cold spree would continue for at least three days. Ziarat, Kan Mehtarzai, Khanozai, Rodmullahzai, Burshoor, Tuba Kakari and Tuba Achakzai were also in the grip of severe cold which hampered relief work by army for people trapped in snow. In Kalat, the minimum temperature was minus six degrees Celsius.