A severe cold wave has gripped the country, with the northern and upper regions experiencing heavy snowfall. According to the Meteorological Department, the mountainous areas of Azad Kashmir are blanketed with white snow. The temperature has plunged to -10°C. The second intense wave of cold is expected from December 22. After the snowfall, picturesque scenes have emerged in Neelum Valley and Leepa, while in Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu, Astore, and several other areas, streets, houses, and trees are covered in snow. In Punjab and Sindh, the weather remains cold and dry. In Lahore, winds blowing at a speed of 10 km per hour have increased the chill, intensifying the sensation of cold. However, air pollution continues to dominate in Lahore, which ranks third on the Air Quality Index (AQI) with a reading of 203.

The US Consulate area recorded 469 AQI, DHA Phase 8 measured 352, Askari 10 reported 273, Johar Town stood at 242, and Cantonment recorded 220 AQI. In Karachi, cold weather is also setting in, with chilly winds prevailing. The sky is clear, and the weather remains cold and dry. According to the Met Office, the current temperature in Karachi is 14°C, and the maximum temperature today is expected to range between 24°C and 26°C. Winds are blowing from the northeast at 16 km per hour, with a humidity level of 34%. As per the Air Quality Index, Karachi ranks 16th among the most polluted cities globally and 7th within Pakistan. The air contains 79 particulate matter (PM), which is considered hazardous to health when PM levels range between 100 and 200.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)