Mainly cold, dry weather expected in most parts of country

ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): The Meteorological Department on Saturday forecast mainly cold and dry weather in most parts of the country during the next 24 hours.
However isolated rain or snow is expected in Malakand division and Gilgit-Baltistan during night while shallow foggy and misty conditions are likely over plain areas of Punjab, Peshawar and Sukkur divisions during night and morning hours.
On Saturday’s lowest Temperatures recorded as Astore -10øC, Skardu and Kalam -08øC, Kallat, Parachinar and Gupis -07øC, Hunza and Gilgit -06øC, Quetta and Dir -05øC, Chitral, Rawalakot and Malamjabba -04øC, Dalbandin -03øC,
Kamra and Mirkhani -02øC, Drosh, Bunji and Kakul -01øC, Balakot and  Lower Dir 00øC.
Meanwhile, falling mercury in the prevailing cold dry spell has raised chest infections, flu and fever in twin cities of the countries.
Frost in morning with chilly winds in morning and evening has increased out door patients in public and private hospitals suffering from seasonal diseases.
Executive Director, Poly clinic hospital, Dr. Zahid Hussain here on Saturday told APP, severe dry cold weather is quite harmful for people and advised them to cover their bodies properly while going out especially in evening and morning.
He said allergy diseases are also on rise in these days and allergy patients are strictly advised to go out in day time only and restrict their activities after sunset.
He asked them to use mask and avoid going out if not so urgent.  Secondly he said, patients of chest infections and pneumonia are also on rise these days and people should go for vaccination.
For flu and viral infections, ED Poly Clinic hospital said those suffering from flu should avoid interacting with others and other should go for vaccination as a precautionary measure in advance.
He added that there is a visible change in indoor and outdoor temperatures as mostly people warm their houses with heaters, stoves etc. but all of a suddenly when they step out, cold wave affect them badly. He urged people to use woolen clothes, warm caps, mittens, socks and shoes
rather than open sleepers to keep them save from cold.