Karachi is expected to experience a deeper cold spell starting January 4 due to westerly winds entering the region, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). A brief respite from the chill is likely today and Friday, but icy winds following rains in Balochistan will lower temperatures further. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 13.5°C on Thursday, with a humidity level of 58% and six-kilometer-per-hour winds from the north. Cold and dry weather is expected to persist in the coming days.
In December 2024, Karachi’s temperatures fell to as low as 9.1°C and 9.5°C, highlighting the harshness of this winter season. Adding to the city’s challenges, Karachi is grappling with deteriorating air quality. On December 31, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 237, a level considered “very unhealthy” by IQAir. PM2.5 pollutant levels were measured at 162 µg/m³, over 32 times higher than the WHO guidelines. Citizens have been advised to take precautions against the cold and limit exposure to polluted air.
Read more: Cold Wave Sweeps Across Pakistan from Karachi to Khyber
Karachi and Lahore have ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world, with Karachi in sixth place (AQI 208) and Lahore in ninth (AQI 191). Air pollution in Karachi has been worsened by rapid urbanisation, unchecked industrial emissions and growing vehicular traffic. Vulnerable groups like children and the elderly face severe health risks due to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5).
Lahore faces an annual smog crisis due to emissions from brick kilns, crop burning and vehicular exhaust. Despite measures like introducing zigzag technology in brick kilns and vehicular inspection programmes, progress remains slow. The PMD continues to monitor the situation, urging residents to stay safe during the ongoing winter and pollution challenges.
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