KARACHI: The cold wave gripping the financial hub of the country has intensified, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicting intermittent strong winds in the city.
The minimum temperature in Karachi was recorded at 10.5 degrees Celsius, and the Met Office forecasts that the city’s weather will remain cold and dry over the next 24 hours.
With humidity levels at 65% and winds blowing at 20 kilometers per hour from the northeast, the minimum temperature is expected to range between 9°C and 11°C.
Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz stated that strong winds are anticipated in the afternoon, and the cold wave is likely to persist until January 17. He also mentioned that some areas of Balochistan could experience rainfall after January 20.
Additionally, Karachi was ranked as the third most polluted city globally on Monday, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) by Swiss air quality monitor IQAir. The AQI value was recorded at 234, categorized as “very unhealthy.”
The concentration of PM2.5 pollutants—tiny particulate matter capable of entering the bloodstream—was measured at 159 µg/m³, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines by 31.8 times.
The worsening air quality may be attributed to the city’s cold weather, as smog and pollution typically intensify during winter due to lower temperatures trapping dust particles near the ground.
Karachi has consistently recorded high pollution levels in recent months, ranking among the most polluted cities globally. However, it is not alone, as Lahore also frequently appears on IQAir’s list. Today, Lahore recorded an AQI value of 162, which is classified as “unhealthy.”
