Cold winds bring chilly night to Karachi as temperatures plunge to single digit

Strong chilly winds swept across Karachi on Wednesday, plunging night temperatures to as low as 8.9°C at Jinnah Terminal, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Thursday.

In Bin Qasim the mercury dipped to 12.1°C, Old Airport saw 12.5°C, while Shahrae Faisal and the Mauripur (Air Force) weather station recorded temperature as low as 13.5°C. 

Overall, the city registered a minimum temperature of 8.9°C and a daytime high of around 28.4°C. PMD’s Early Warning Centre warned that the northeasterly winds, blowing up to 25 km/h from Balochistan, could drop temperatures by another one to two degrees over the next few days. 

The cold wave was not limited to Karachi. In rural Sindh, Mohenjo-daro recorded a low of 3.8°C, stressing the widespread chill sweeping the region. 

PMD forecasts more chilly days ahead, with nighttime temperatures in Karachi possibly falling toward 10°C. Residents have been advised to take precautions, particularly vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children, as the winter chill takes hold. 

Many Karachiites, after months of milder weather, found themselves reaching for jackets again as the sudden drop brought a noticeable nip to the air. As the city adjusts to the cold wave, authorities say staying warm and staying alert will be necessary in the coming days.