RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Residents of the twin cities shivered as a biting cold gripped Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Sunday, with temperatures dropping to zero degrees Celsius, marking the coldest day of the current winter season, the Pakistan Meteorological Department reported. While December and January usually see sub-zero temperatures, this winter had remained relatively mild until now, hovering between 1 and 2 degrees.
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The Met Office forecasting officer said the temperature is expected to rise slightly over the next 24 hours due to clouds and fog, though frost and fog may persist in isolated patches. Continental air prevailing across most parts of the country, combined with a shallow westerly wave in the northern and western regions, is expected to keep the weather cold and dry. Very cold conditions are forecast in hilly areas, with light rain or snow possible in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and adjoining regions. Dense fog is likely in Punjab, upper Sindh, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The cold wave has also affected daily life. Residents reported low gas pressure, prompting many to use compressors, which has created additional hardships. Children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable, with doctors seeing a rise in cold-related ailments, including fevers. Health experts advise increased intake of warm liquids, such as soups, and recommend covering the head and ears to reduce the risk of illness.
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The cold has also impacted local markets, with sales of winter foods and hot beverages rising. However, unlike previous years, traditional food stalls in Bhabara Bazaar, Saddar, and Commercial Market saw fewer crowds due to high prices. Meanwhile, northern areas recorded some of the lowest temperatures, including Skardu at -14°C, Leh at -13°C, and Astore at -11°C, highlighting the severity of winter across the country.