Unprecedented Cold Hits GB, Temperatures Drop to -8°C

News Desk

Islamabad: Gilgit-Baltistan is experiencing an unprecedented cold snap, with temperatures plummeting to record lows not seen in a decade.

The latest meteorological reports reveal that the average minimum temperature in Gilgit has dropped to a chilling -8°C, a stark contrast to the -3°C recorded ten years ago.

Skardu, known for its frosty winters, has seen an even sharper decline, with temperatures falling to a frigid 11°C below freezing — an 8°C drop over the past decade.

Experts predict that the cold is set to intensify in the coming days, posing a potential threat to daily life in the region.

Residents have been urged to take immediate precautions against the severe winter conditions. The cold wave is attributed to the dominance of continental air over most parts of the country.

The rest of Pakistan is also grappling with a cold and dry weather pattern, with very cold conditions expected in hilly areas.

Smog and fog have blanketed parts of Punjab, upper Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly during the night.

Dry, Cold Weather Forecast

On Wednesday, weather forecasts predict continued cold and dry conditions across the country, with isolated patches of fog and smog.

The recorded lowest minimum temperatures in the past 24 hours were as follows: Leh at -13°C, Skardu at -11°C, Astore and Gupis at -8°C, Gilgit at -7°C, and Quetta and Ziarat at -6°C. For Thursday, the forecast indicates mostly cold and dry weather, with very cold mornings and nights in hilly areas.

Light rain or snow may occur in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir in the evening. Fog and smog are expected to persist in several plains, while frost may form in isolated areas of the Pothohar region during the morning hours.