Karachi Cold Wave: City Records Coldest Night of the Winter Season
Residents of Pakistan’s bustling port city recently endured the chilliest night of the ongoing winter season. A sharp dip in temperatures across Karachi brought notably cold conditions to much of Sindh. This Karachi Cold Wave has prompted citizens to seek warmth and adjust to the sudden onset of severe winter weather.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported the lowest temperature at six degrees Celsius in the Jinnah Terminal area. Furthermore, the city’s average minimum remained exceptionally low across various localities. This marked a significant deviation from typical winter temperatures, catching many by surprise.
Weather Outlook: Extended Cold and Potential Rain
According to the Met Office, cold and dry weather will continue across most districts of Sindh for the next two days. Westerly winds are anticipated to impact the upper parts of the country from January 18 to January 20. Consequently, this approaching weather system could influence conditions in Sindh, potentially bringing some relief or further changes.
The PMD also indicated a possibility of rain in Karachi and other parts of the province. This is due to the approaching weather system. After this system departs, another cold spell might affect Sindh, including Karachi. Evidently, the winter chill is far from over for the region.
Understanding the Karachi Cold Wave: Key Factors
The Met Office highlighted a crucial factor: the country recorded 34 percent below-average rainfall in December 2023. This significant lack of precipitation contributed to the persistence of dry and cold conditions throughout the region. Therefore, this deficit is a major reason for the current severe winter weather.
Regional Impact: Fog, Low Visibility, and Widespread Chill
Meanwhile, moderate to dense fog is expected to continue in several Sindh districts. These include Sukkur, Rohri, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Larkana, Tando Jam, and Mohenjodaro. This fog will likely affect visibility during night and early morning hours, posing challenges for transportation and daily commutes.
Other parts of Sindh also reported notably cold conditions. Several cities recorded near-freezing temperatures overnight. This widespread cold snap underscores the intensity of the current winter spell affecting the entire province.
