Cold and dry conditions have taken hold in Karachi as chilly winds continue to blow across the city. At times, the gusts are strong and are expected to continue through the day.
The Meteorological Department says the current cold spell is likely to persist until the end of January. There is no immediate forecast of rain for Karachi. Humidity levels are around 48 percent while northeast winds are blowing at a speed of about 20 kilometres per hour.
The combination of dry air and cold winds has made the weather feel harsher. Daily routines have been affected, and many residents have turned to warmer clothing and heating appliances to cope with the chill.
Weather experts say that although rain is not expected in Karachi today, conditions in the wider region are changing rapidly. A strong westerly weather system is expected to move in later today and could bring rain and snowfall to parts of Balochistan and nearby areas.
In Balochistan, cold conditions have already intensified due to icy winds. Chaman and surrounding areas are experiencing severe cold with temperatures dropping below freezing. The mercury has fallen to minus 2 degrees Celsius in Chaman, minus 8 in Toba Achakzai, minus 7 in Khawaja Imran and minus 6 at Kozhak Top.
According to the Met Department, the approaching system may cause snowfall in higher altitude areas such as Ziarat, Chaman, Toba Achakzai, Kozhak Top and Khawaja Imran. Thunderstorms are also expected in areas including Qila Abdullah, Jangal Pir Alizai, Sheila Bagh and Mezai Adda.
As the cold wave continues in Karachi, authorities and weather officials remain alert to any developments linked to the incoming system. While rain is unlikely in the city in the near term, changes in temperature and wind patterns are expected in the coming days.