The temperature recorded in Skardo was minus 14 while in Ghangche the temperature was recorded minus 18, which is highest during the current winter season. Water pipes are broken in both districts and the people of Baltistan particularly are facing great hardships. The normal life is disrupted very badly due to very cold wave.
Meanwhile, flow of the migratory sea ducks from Russia (Siberia) is continued to Skardo (Sadpara Lake) and River Indus. These ducks usually return back to Russia in the month of March. The Meteorological Office has forecast cold and dry weather in Karachi and elsewhere in the region on Tuesday. The minimum temperature in city is expected to range 08-10 degree centigrade.
On Monday, the highest maximum temperature of 24.5 degrees centigrade was recorded at Chhore and Lasbella, while the lowest minimum of -05.5 degrees centigrade was recorded at Zhob, Balochistan.
BR MULTAN CORRESPONDENT ADDS: At least eight persons have died of severe cold in southern Punjab as the mercury fell to 1.5 degree Celsius. Met Office Deputy Director Sahibdad Khan forecast dry and cold weather during next two days and said that January 11, 1967 was the coldest day in Multan when mercury fell to minus 3.9 degree Celsius. EDO (Health) Jhang Dr Shafiq Ahmed said."
At least five persons three in Chiniot and Two in Jhan have died of cold spell. Southern Punjab's cities of Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan remained in the grip of severe cold wave with mercury dipping to 1.5 degree Celsius, making Monday the coldest day of this winter. An old age woman Sharifan (62) died in village Manisiyal (Sahiwal) Khushi Muhammad (55) died in Chak No 89/6-b and Bashir Ahmed of Gao-Shala village (Chichawatni) also died of cold, hospital authorities said.
The mercury level is continuously decreasing for the last four days, however experts are expecting improvement in the temperature in next 24 hours as the steep pressure gradient that has caused influx of cold wave, has started weakening.
Other parts of the country have already recorded increase in the minimum temperature due to weakening of steep pressure gradient and slight overcast conditions.
"Steep pressure gradient has started decreasing that will halt any further increase in the intensity of cold wave." said Sahibdad khan.