KARACHI: The port city remained in the grip of intense cold on Thursday night as temperatures plunged sharply following a brief spell of winter rain earlier in the day, bringing chilly winds and misty conditions across several areas.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the lowest temperature of 7.4 degrees Celsius was recorded in Bin Qasim, while Mauripur followed closely at 8.5°C. The city’s overall minimum temperature stood at 10.5°C, though it was felt as low as 4°C due to strong winds. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 22°C.
PMD officials said humidity levels were recorded at 36 per cent and forecast dry weather over the next 24 hours, though cold nights are likely to persist. Other areas also experienced a sharp drop, with Sharea Faisal recording 11.5°C, while Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Jinnah Terminal both saw temperatures fall to 10.5°C.
The cold wave was even more severe in Balochistan, where Quetta recorded a bone-chilling minus 9°C, with temperatures felt as low as minus 14°C. Chaman also experienced extreme cold, with the mercury dipping to minus 6°C and a “feels like” temperature of minus 12°C.
Weather officials said the cold spell is linked to an active westerly weather system affecting Sindh. They had earlier warned that Karachi’s minimum temperature could fall between 7°C and 9°C as the system continues to influence the region from Friday through Sunday.
Under the same system, light to moderate rainfall is expected in Karachi, Jamshoro, Dadu, Thatta and Badin, along with gusty and dusty winds, thunder and lightning. Several parts of Karachi received rain earlier on Thursday, including Surjani Town, Musharraf Colony, North Karachi, Malir, Gulistan-e-Jauhar and PECHS, leaving the city noticeably cooler.
Meteorological experts said the showers are likely to further intensify the cold, with chilly conditions expected to persist through the weekend.
