Lahore is shivering in biting cold these days as the mercury level has dropped to 4°C while the Punjab capital is also blanketed in dense fog shutting several motorways on Wednesday. The maximum temperature of the city will remain at 11°C today while the humidity level was recorded at 96%. Due to the thick fog which has engulfed the city, the visibility level has been reduced to 0.1km. There is no chance of rain for the next 24 hours. Overall weather According to the Metrological Department report, mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most plain areas of the country, while very cold/partly cloudy in northern parts. Dense fog/smog is likely to persist in Islamabad, plain areas of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh. Past 24-hour weather Cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country, while very cold in northern parts. However, partly cloudy weather prevailed in Gilgit Baltistan. Dense fog/smog prevailed over plain areas of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh.

Today's recorded minimum temperatures (°C):Leh -08, Skardu -07, Gupis, Kalam, Srinagar -05, Gilgit, Astore -04, Parachinar and Rawalakot -03. Motorways closed Due to dense fog, several sections of motorways have been closed which include: M1 from Peshawar to Burhan, M2 from Lahore to Kot Momin, M3, M4, M5 from Sher Shah to Zahir Pir, M11 from Lahore to Sialkot, M14 from Kharpa to Isa Khel, and Swat Expressway from Colonel Sher Khan to Ismailia. The motorway spokesperson said that roads are closed to ensure public safety and safe travel. He said that the duration of fog on national highways has increased with the cold weather. He asked the road users to prefer travelling during daytime hours, adding that 10 am to 6 pm are the best travelling time during foggy season. He directed the motorists to use front and rear fog lights and keep a safe distance from the next vehicle.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)