ISLAMABAD: The cold wave gripping Karachi for several days is expected to intensify starting Saturday, January 4, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
While a slight relief from the current cold is anticipated today and tomorrow (Friday), the PMD reported that westerly winds entering the country could bring rain to Balochistan, followed by cold winds sweeping through Karachi.
The weather office forecasts cold and dry conditions for the city, with the minimum temperature recorded at 13.5°C, humidity at 58%, and northbound winds blowing at a speed of 6 kilometers per hour.
Last month, Karachi experienced a sharp drop in temperatures, with mercury levels plunging to single digits multiple times, including lows of 9.1°C and 9.5°C.
The ongoing cold spell has also been accompanied by deteriorating air quality. On December 31, 2024, Karachi recorded its highest pollution levels of the season, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 237, classified as “very unhealthy” by Swiss air quality monitor IQAir.
The concentration of PM2.5 pollutants — fine particulate matter small enough to penetrate the bloodstream upon inhalation — was recorded at 162 µg/m³, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines by 32.4 times.
