This year, the cold in Gilgit-Baltistan has intensified, breaking a decade-old record for low temperatures. The meteorological department reported that the average minimum temperature in Gilgit has dropped to -8°C, compared to -3°C recorded ten years ago.
The report also highlights a sharper decline in Skardu, where temperatures have fallen to 11°C below freezing, marking an 8°C drop over the past decade.
Read more: Cold Snap to Persist Across Pakistan, Snowfall Likely in Mountainous Regions
Experts warn that the cold is expected to worsen, potentially disrupting daily life, and urge residents to take protective measures against the harsh winter conditions.
Continental air is currently affecting most parts of the country. On Wednesday, cold and dry weather is expected across most regions, with very cold conditions in the hilly areas. Smog and fog are likely to persist in patches across plains in Punjab, upper and central Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the night.
In the past 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed nationwide, with very cold conditions in hilly areas. Smog and fog persisted in patches across the plains of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh. The recorded lowest temperatures included Leh at -13°C, Skardu at -11°C, and Gilgit at -7°C.
On Thursday, cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, with very cold conditions in the hilly areas during the morning and night. Light rain or snow may occur in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir during the evening and night, while smog and fog will persist in parts of Punjab, upper and central Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the morning and night. Frost is expected in isolated areas of Pothohar in the morning.
