A sharp drop in temperature followed winter rainfall in Karachi, leaving residents bracing for one of the coldest nights of the season.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), temperatures fell significantly late Thursday, with Bin Qasim recording the city’s lowest reading at 7.4°C. Mauripur followed closely at 8.5°C, reflecting the uneven but widespread intensity of the cold spell.
Citywide, the minimum temperature settled at 10.5°C. However, strong winds made conditions feel far colder, with the perceived temperature dropping to around 4°C. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain moderate, hovering near 22°C.
Meteorologists reported 36% humidity and confirmed that no immediate rainfall is expected over the next 24 hours. Despite this, cold nights are likely to continue, particularly as dry winds persist.
Daily National Weather Forecast | 22-01-2026#pmd #weather #pakistan #snowfall pic.twitter.com/SqkCalJMOu
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) January 22, 2026Several key areas across Karachi also recorded low readings. Sharea Faisal dipped to 11.5°C, while Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Jinnah Terminal both logged 10.5°C, highlighting the citywide reach of the cold wave.
The situation is far more difficult in Balochistan, where sub-zero temperatures gripped multiple districts. Quetta recorded -9°C, with wind chill pushing the felt temperature to -14°C. In Chaman, the mercury dropped to -6°C, while residents experienced conditions closer to -12°C.
Weather officials attribute the sudden chill to an active westerly weather system influencing Sindh. Earlier assessments had warned that Karachi’s temperature could fall between 7°C and 9°C, a forecast that now appears accurate.
Maximum & Minimum Temperatures recorded in major cities on 23 January 2026.#WeatherUpdate #PakistanWeather #TemperatureUpdate #DailyWeather #PMDOfficial #WinterWeather #ColdWave #Islamabad #Lahore #Karachi #Quetta #Peshawar #Multan #Faisalabad #Gilgit #Hyderabad #Muzaffarabad pic.twitter.com/lEifDpFN1b
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) January 23, 2026The same system may trigger light to moderate rainfall in Jamshoro, Dadu, Thatta, and Badin, accompanied by gusty winds, thunder, and lightning from Friday through Sunday.
Earlier on Thursday, scattered winter showers swept across Karachi, leaving behind misty skies and cooler air. Rainfall was first reported in Surjani Town, Musharraf Colony, and Hub, before spreading to central and eastern districts, including North Karachi, II Chundrigar Road, Malir, Scheme 33, and Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Light drizzle was also observed in PECHS.
Meteorological experts caution that the after-effects of the rain will likely intensify the cold, particularly during nighttime hours. PMD has advised residents to prepare for continued chilly conditions through the weekend, especially in coastal and open areas.
