No respite from harsh weather.

LAHORE -- Biting cold and dense fog continued disturbing routine life in plains of the country including Lahore on Saturday with experts seeing no respite from the prevailing harsh weather conditions during the next couple of days.

Dense fog hampered vehicular movement on important intercity roads including Motorway and National Highway. Less visibility forced closure of portions of Motorway at around midnight, leaving motorists with no other option except to use alternative routes including National Highway. The situation was the same at almost the entire National Highway. Less visibility caused the vehicles to move at a snail's pace. The police have advised the people to avoid unnecessary travelling from evening to early morning. If unavoidable, use fog lights, ensure functioning of wipers and drive at slow speed.

Dense fog affected flight operation at Allama Iqbal International Airport besides disturbing schedule of Pakistan Railways. Almost all trains reached their respective destinations hours behind the scheduled time.

Lesser duration of sunshine due to dense fog, snowfall over the hills and continuously blowing winds helped maintaining the mercury to a low level, making weather chilly during the day and at nighttime.

Skardu and Gupis remained coldest places in the country where mercury dropped 09 degree Celsius below freezing point. Minimum temperature in Kalam was recorded-07C, Astore, Bagrote and Kalat -06C, Parachinar -05C, Malamjabba and Quetta -04C, Dir -03C, Gilgit and Rawalakot -02C. Minimum temperature in Lahore was recorded 06C.

People preferred to stay indoors to avoid exposure to harsh weather conditions, decreasing traffic on otherwise busy roads till at noon. Excessive usage of heaters at offices and home led to low gas pressure in major cities including Lahore. In certain areas, women faced huge difficulties in cooking meals for their families.

Dry cold and excessive pollution has caused alarming increase in...

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