Parts of the country including Lahore remained in the grip of cold wave on Wednesday with experts predicting the prevailing harsh weather conditions to persist during the current week. Kalat and Quetta remained the coldest places in the country where mercury dropped 10 degree centigrade below the freezing point. Minimum temperature in Kalam was recorded -6, Dalbandin, Dir and Skardu -5 and Gilgit -4 degree centigrade. Mercury dropped as low as 3 degree centigrade in Lahore, making Wednesday the coldest day of current winter. Fall in temperature increased chill in weather late night and early morning. Abundance of sunshine during the day, however, caused increase in maximum temperature. Maximum temperature in the City was recorded 23 degree centigrade. According to the experts, dry continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country. Experts have forecast mainly cold and dry weather for most parts of the country. Shallow foggy conditions are likely over few plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh during morning hours. Mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country including the city. Shallow foggy conditions are likely over few plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh during morning hours, daily weather report said. –Staff Reporter