Why South Punjab Is Feeling Colder Than Usual This Winter

News Desk 

Multan: A persistent wave of cold has tightened its grip across South Punjab, disrupting daily routines and straining household budgets as temperatures plunge well below seasonal averages.

Cities including Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rahim Yar Khan have been experiencing biting cold mornings and frigid nights for the past several days, with only brief and weak sunshine offering limited daytime relief.

According to local meteorological observations, maximum temperatures in most parts of South Punjab have hovered between 14°C and 17°C, while minimum temperatures dropped to between 3°C and 6°C.

In some rural and riverine areas—particularly near canals and low-lying belts—night-time temperatures were reported to be even lower, intensifying the chill amid dense fog and damp air.

Abdul Razzaq, Deputy Forecasting Officer at the Met Office, told APP that a narrow gap between maximum and minimum temperatures enhances the feeling of cold. He said that on Saturday, the minimum and maximum temperatures were recorded at 0.5°C and 8.5°C, respectively.

He added that the current cold wave is expected to persist until around January 20 in South Punjab, and no rainfall is forecast during this period.

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Experts attribute the unusually intense and prolonged cold spell to a combination of factors. Frequent intrusions of cold continental air from Central Asia, coupled with clear night skies, have led to rapid heat loss after sunset. Reduced wind movement has allowed cold air to settle, while persistent fog has limited daytime warming by blocking sunlight.

Climate specialists also point to shifting weather patterns linked to global climate variability, which they say is making winter extremes more frequent and prolonged.

The impact on everyday life has been significant. Thick morning fog has reduced visibility on highways, delaying intercity transport and disrupting early routines, including school attendance. Farmers have voiced concerns over possible frost damage to vegetables and fodder crops, while daily wage earners report fewer working hours due to the biting cold.

The prolonged cold has also fueled inflation in food and winter essentials. Prices of seasonal vegetables have increased as supply chains slowed. Notably, the price of trout fish—popular in winter for its perceived warming effect—has surged sharply. In local markets, trout is being sold for between Rs 1,800 and Rs 2,200 per kilogram, compared to around Rs 1,400 earlier in the season.

Similarly, the cost of winter clothing has risen. Woollen gloves that were available for Rs 250 to Rs 300 at the start of winter are now selling for Rs 400 to Rs 600, while higher-quality thermal gloves cost even more. Prices of caps, shawls, socks, heaters and quilts have also increased.

As the cold wave persists, residents across South Punjab continue to brace for harsh mornings and freezing nights, hoping for a gradual rise in temperatures in the coming days while struggling to cope with both the chill and its economic consequences.