ISLAMABAD: A severe cold wave has enveloped the country, with heavy snowfall blanketing the northern and upper regions, plunging temperatures significantly.
The Meteorological Department reported that mountainous areas in Azad Kashmir are now blanketed in snow, with temperatures dropping to as low as -10°C. A second intense cold wave is predicted to arrive on December 22.
In scenic areas like Neelum Valley and Leepa, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan’s Skardu, Astore, and other regions, streets, houses, and trees are cloaked in white, creating picturesque winter landscapes.
Meanwhile, Punjab and Sindh remain cold and dry, with Lahore experiencing biting winds at 10 km/h, further intensifying the chill. However, air pollution continues to plague Lahore, ranking third globally on the Air Quality Index (AQI) with a reading of 203. The US Consulate area registered an alarming 469 AQI, while DHA Phase 8, Askari 10, Johar Town, and Cantonment reported readings of 352, 273, 242, and 220 AQI respectively.
In Karachi, cold weather has set in with chilly northeast winds prevailing. The current temperature is 14°C, with a maximum of 24°C to 26°C expected today. Winds are blowing at 16 km/h, accompanied by a humidity level of 34%.
The city’s air quality also remains a concern, ranking 16th among the most polluted globally and 7th within Pakistan, with particulate matter (PM) levels recorded at 79. Although below hazardous thresholds, these levels still pose health risks.
