KARACHI: Karachi is currently under the grip of icy Siberian winds, making the weather colder than usual and causing temperatures to feel 2-4°C lower than the actual recorded temperature. These chilly winds, which have traveled from Balochistan, have intensified the cold wave across the city.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Karachi’s weather will remain cold and dry over the next 24 hours, with the minimum temperature recorded at 12.2°C today. The maximum temperature for the day is expected to hover around 26°C, while the minimum could drop to 10°C. Winds from the northeast, blowing at a speed of 10-25 km/h, will continue to keep the city chilly throughout the day.

The Journey of the Siberian Winds

The cold winds, known locally as the “Quetta Wind”, have their origins in the icy plains of Siberia. These winds traveled through Central Asia and Afghanistan before making their way to Quetta, where they began to relax and lose some of their intensity. However, by the time they reached Karachi in the early hours of Thursday and Friday, they brought an unmistakable chill to the city.

Karachiites, already accustomed to mild winters, found themselves rushing to purchase warm clothes as the icy winds made the temperatures feel much colder than expected.

Cold Weather Across Northern Pakistan

While Karachi is experiencing a significant drop in temperature, the northern regions of Pakistan are seeing even colder conditions. In the past 24 hours:

  • Leh recorded the lowest temperature at -13°C
  • Skardu saw temperatures as low as -7°C
  • Kalam recorded -6°C
  • Islamabad also experienced chilly conditions, with temperatures dropping to -1°C

In Gilgit-Baltistan, heavy snowfall has blanketed the region, covering mountains, roads, and trees in snow. Similarly, northern Balochistan is enduring a severe cold wave, with Quetta experiencing temperatures of -6°C, and Kalat and Ziarat seeing temperatures as low as -5°C.

Cold Wave to Persist Across Pakistan

The PMD has issued a warning that this cold wave will persist in many parts of the country, particularly in northern regions. The cold and dry conditions are expected to continue in Islamabad and surrounding areas, while the chill from Siberian winds will likely keep Karachi and other cities in southern Pakistan feeling colder than usual.