A severe cold wave has gripped Karachi and much of Pakistan, with temperatures in the metropolis dropping to 8.9°C on Sunday night, recorded at Jinnah Terminal. Other areas, including Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Shahrah-e-Faisal, saw lows of 10.5°C and 11.5°C, respectively, while Mauripur recorded a slightly warmer 12.5°C, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The chilly conditions have been intensified by icy winds from Balochistan, making the temperatures feel 2 to 4 degrees lower than the readings. Karachi’s weather remains cold and dry, with daytime highs expected to reach 27°C. Winds are blowing at 7 km/h from the northeast, with humidity at 50%. Despite the cold, the city’s air quality is a pressing concern, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting a hazardous 183, posing risks to sensitive groups.
The cold snap extends nationwide, with northern areas experiencing harsher conditions. Leh in Gilgit-Baltistan reported the lowest temperature at a frigid -13°C, followed by Skardu at -7°C and Kalam at -6°C. Islamabad recorded -1°C, while cities like Lahore, Peshawar, and Multan ranged between 3°C and 7°C.
Northern regions, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, have been blanketed by heavy snowfall, disrupting daily life and covering roads and homes. In Balochistan, cities such as Quetta, Kalat, and Ziarat reported temperatures as low as -6°C and -5°C.
The PMD has warned of continued cold and dry conditions across the country and urged residents to take precautions as the cold wave persists.