Karachi has experienced the first winter rain of the season, marking the start of a cold wave that is expected to last a week.
Last night the city witnessed light rain and drizzle in several areas, which brought temperatures down significantly.
Key areas like Gulshan-e-Maymar, Baldia Town, Orangi Town, North Nazimabad and surrounding regions recorded sporadic rain and light thundershowers.
The northern outskirts of the city, including Hub Chowki, also experienced similar weather conditions.
Drizzle was recorded in central Karachi, including prominent places like Guru Mandir, MA Jinnah Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Shahrah e Faisal and Karsaz Road.
Other localities like Dalmia, Shanti Nagar, Gulistan-e-Johar and Scheme 33 saw intermittent drizzle, which cooled the air.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted that this cold wave will persist throughout the week and light rain is expected to continue until Saturday morning.
The rain has brought some relief to the residents of Karachi as temperatures dropped noticeably, making the city’s climate feel cooler after a prolonged heat wave.
Yesterday, Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz stated that Karachi’s temperature was forecast to drop by up to 6°C, and the cold wave was expected to last for about a week.
Addressing speculation that Karachi would break its all-time minimum temperature record of 0°C, set in January 1934, Sarfraz ruled out the possibility and confirmed that the city was not expected to surpass that record.
The cold snap was forecast to last one to two weeks, with daytime temperatures hovering around 8-10°C, while nighttime temperatures could drop to 2-4°C in some areas.
Sarfraz explained that cold winds from Quetta were moving towards Karachi, contributing to the cold across the country.
The drop in temperatures was attributed to a high pressure system in the north, which pushed masses of cold air southward.
The forecaster also warned of foggy conditions in the morning, which could disrupt air and road travel. He advised the public to take precautions when driving in fog and to check weather forecasts before travelling.
Sarfraz assured that the Meteorological Department was closely monitoring the situation and would provide regular updates. Citizens were urged to stay safe, warm and vigilant during the current cold snap.
