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Karachi Braces for Single-Digit Chill as Cold Wave Intensifies Across Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department warns that Karachi's temperatures could plunge to single digits over the weekend, with cold, dry, and windy conditions prevailing. A new westerly wave is expected to bring further rain, wind, and snowfall to much of the country from Sunday through Tuesday. This includes upper Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. The severe winter has already caused disruption, including a fatal avalanche in Chitral that killed nine family members.

Key Points: Karachi Cold Wave: Temperatures to Drop to Single Digits

  • Karachi temps to hit 7-9°C
  • Cold, dry & windy conditions forecast
  • New westerly wave to bring rain & snow nationwide
  • Avalanches disrupt life in northern regions
2 min read

Pakistan: Karachi braces for single-digit temperatures as cold wave intensifies

Karachi faces a severe cold wave with temperatures dropping to 7-9°C. The PMD forecasts dry, windy conditions and wider rain/snowfall across Pakistan.

"temperatures in Karachi may drop to single digits over the weekend - Pakistan Meteorological Department"

Karachi, January 24

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that temperatures in Karachi may drop to single digits over the weekend, with the city likely to experience cold and dry conditions accompanied by occasional winds, Dawn reported.

Karachi experienced its second spell of winter rainfall on Thursday afternoon under the influence of a westerly wave, which resulted in light to moderate showers across several areas. Strong post-rain winds swept through the city, further lowering the perceived temperature and intensifying the cold spell.

According to the PMD's weather outlook, the minimum temperature in the city was forecast at 8.5 degrees Celsius on Saturday and is expected to decline further to between 7°C and 9°C on Sunday. The minimum temperature is projected to increase slightly on Monday night, ranging between 8°C and 10°C, Dawn reported.

Meanwhile, maximum temperatures in Karachi are expected to remain between 19°C and 21°C on Saturday and Sunday, before rising to between 20°C and 22°C on Monday.

The Met Office has forecast that morning humidity levels over the next three days are likely to range between 40 and 55 per cent, while night-time humidity may fall sharply to between 10 and 25 per cent. Northeast to easterly winds are expected to persist until Monday, the PMD noted, according to Dawn.

Separately, the PMD on Friday forecast additional rain and snowfall in several parts of the country from Sunday night through Tuesday, with a drop in daytime temperatures expected during the period.

As per the Met Office, a westerly wave is likely to enter the western regions of the country on January 25 (Sunday) and strengthen over the upper parts on January 26 (Monday). Under its influence, rain, wind and thunderstorms accompanied by snowfall are expected across most areas of Balochistan on Sunday night and Monday.

Upper Sindh, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Dadu, is also likely to receive rainfall on Monday. Rain, wind and thunderstorms with snowfall, including heavy snowfall at isolated locations, are expected in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) and Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK). The weather system is also forecast to impact several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, Dawn reported.

The forecasts come amid severe winter conditions that have disrupted normal life across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, PoGB and PoJK, where heavy snowfall, avalanches and landslides have blocked roads, stranded travellers, and affected electricity supply and relief operations.

On Friday, nine members of a family were killed after a snow avalanche buried their house in Chitral.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
7°C in Karachi is really cold for them! We have similar temperatures in Delhi right now. It's a stark reminder of how extreme weather patterns are affecting everyone in the region. Stay warm, neighbors. ❄️
R
Rohit P
The article mentions "Pakistan-occupied" areas. While the weather disaster is unfortunate, we must not forget the legal status of these territories. Our thoughts are with all civilians suffering in the harsh winter.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in Karachi, I know the city's infrastructure isn't built for this cold. Many homes lack proper heating. I hope authorities are setting up shelters for the homeless and vulnerable.
V
Vikram M
Climate change is real and hitting hard. We see unseasonal cold in Pakistan, and we had that unexpected hailstorm in Bangalore last week. South Asia needs to collaborate more on disaster management, beyond politics.
K
Kavya N
The detailed weather report is one thing, but the human cost is another. Nine family members gone just like that. So tragic. Makes you appreciate the warmth of your own home. My condolences to the families.

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