KARACHI: A significant cold wave has gripped Karachi and much of the country, with temperatures plummeting to 8.9°C on Sunday night.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the lowest temperature in the city was recorded at Jinnah Terminal, while areas such as Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Shahrah-e-Faisal saw temperatures of 10.5°C and 11.5°C, respectively.
Mauri Pur also recorded a relatively warmer 12.5°C. The PMD reported that Karachi’s weather is currently cold and dry, with the daytime temperature expected to rise to 27°C.
This drop in temperature follows a day of moderate weather, with Karachi reaching a maximum temperature of 27°C on Saturday. Winds have been blowing at a light 7 km/h from the northeast, and the humidity levels in the city are currently at 50%. However, the city’s air quality remains a major concern, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at a hazardous 183, signaling unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups.
The current cold snap has been exacerbated by icy winds originating from Balochistan, making the actual temperature feel 2 to 4 degrees lower than the recorded readings. Residents across the city have reported feeling the chill more intensely due to these winds, further highlighting the region’s vulnerability to extreme seasonal changes.
Meanwhile, the northern parts of the country are experiencing much colder conditions. Leh, located in Gilgit-Baltistan, recorded the lowest temperature over the past 24 hours at a bitterly cold -13°C. Other areas in the region, such as Skardu and Kalam, followed closely with -7°C and -6°C, respectively. Islamabad, the capital, saw a slightly milder -1°C, while cities like Peshawar, Lahore, and Multan recorded temperatures between 3°C and 7°C.
The northern mountains, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, have been blanketed with heavy snowfall, disrupting daily life. The snow has covered roads, homes, and trees, while in northern Balochistan, regions like Quetta, Kalat, and Ziarat have experienced temperatures dipping to -6°C and -5°C, respectively.
The PMD has issued an official warning for continued cold and dry conditions across the country, advising citizens to take necessary precautions.
