Karachi Slides to 10th Position in World's Most Polluted Cities, Faces Chilling Cold Wave

Karachi, the economic hub of Pakistan, has dropped to the 10th position in the most polluted cities in the world, with hazardous air quality readings of 166 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter. Meanwhile, the city is bracing for a cold wave, with temperatures plummeting to 11°C, bringing relief to residents.

The current weather conditions in Karachi are a stark contrast to its usual sweltering heat, with a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius and a forecasted maximum of 29 degrees Celsius. The humidity levels are recorded at 24%, and a northeast wind is blowing at 7 kilometers per hour. Experts warn residents to take precautions against the cold and be mindful of the poor air quality, which poses a significant threat to public health.

The effects of the cold wave are not limited to Karachi. Other parts of the country, including Balochistan, are experiencing even colder temperatures, with Quetta recording -4°C, Kalat -6°C, and Nokkundi, Gwadar, and Sibi reporting 0°C, 7°C, and 9°C respectively. The freezing temperatures have led to difficulties in Ziarat, where residents are facing issues with freezing water pipes and gas outages. In a silver lining, popular tourist destinations have received their first snowfall of the season, creating both beauty and challenges. Intermitent snowfall in Kaghan Valley has also been reported, with Babusar Top recording a chilling -7°C.

As the country prepares for a cold wave, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted a drop in day and night temperatures across the country. The PMD predicts that the cold wave is likely to persist from December 8 to 14, with day temperatures expected to drop by 4-6°C below normal in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. In Balochistan and Sindh, the temperature is expected to drop by 5-7°C.

With the cold wave expected to grip the country from tomorrow, authorities are advising farmers to manage their activities according to the weather forecast and avoid going outdoors during the cold and windy weather. Tourists and travelers visiting mountainous areas have also been warned to remain cautious. As the country prepares for the harsh winter conditions, residents and authorities are bracing themselves for the challenges ahead, while also enjoying the rare beauty of snowfall in some regions.