Karachi continued to experience cold and foggy weather conditions as the minimum temperature in the city dropped to 12.5 degrees Celsius, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The weather situation has brought a noticeable chill to the city, particularly during the night and early morning hours, affecting daily routines and travel for residents.
In its latest forecast, the Meteorological Department stated that Karachi’s weather over the next 24 hours is expected to remain dry, while nights will continue to be cool. Dense fog was reported in several parts of the city during the early morning, reducing visibility and causing inconvenience to commuters, especially motorists and public transport users.
According to PMD officials, the minimum temperature recorded today stood at 12.5°C, which is considered relatively low for Karachi, a city known for its generally mild winters compared to other parts of the country. The drop in temperature, combined with high humidity levels, has intensified the feeling of cold, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas.
Meteorologists have predicted that the maximum temperature during the day is likely to range between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius. This means that while daytime conditions may remain pleasant and moderately warm, the contrast between day and night temperatures will continue to be significant, resulting in chilly evenings and nights.
The department has also warned that fog is likely to form again in the city tomorrow morning. Residents have been advised to remain cautious, especially those traveling early in the day, as fog can severely reduce visibility and increase the risk of traffic accidents. In recent days, fog has already disrupted road traffic and flight operations at Jinnah International Airport.
According to the PMD, the humidity level in the air is currently around 94 percent, which is quite high. High humidity, when combined with lower temperatures, often makes the weather feel colder than the actual recorded temperature. This has led many residents to experience a sharper chill, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours.
The Meteorological Department further reported that light winds are blowing from the northeast at a speed of around 3 kilometers per hour. Such calm wind conditions contribute to the formation and persistence of fog, as there is insufficient air movement to disperse moisture-laden air near the ground.
Over the past few days, Karachi has seen recurring spells of fog and smog, particularly in the early mornings. Several areas of the city, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, Korangi, Landhi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, and parts of North Karachi, reported reduced visibility. Motorists were forced to slow down, while some experienced delays in reaching workplaces and educational institutions.
Earlier reports also highlighted that Karachi had ranked among the world’s most polluted cities during certain periods, raising concerns about air quality and public health. Experts believe that pollution, combined with weather conditions such as high humidity and low wind speed, plays a major role in the formation of smog and fog in the city.
Health experts have advised citizens, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to take precautionary measures during cold and foggy weather. Doctors recommend avoiding unnecessary exposure to cold air during early mornings and late nights, wearing warm clothing, and staying hydrated to reduce the risk of seasonal illnesses such as flu, cough, and throat infections.
The cold spell has also affected daily life in Karachi in subtle ways. Tea stalls, soup vendors, and sellers of warm clothing have reported increased demand as people seek ways to cope with the colder-than-usual conditions. Many residents have taken out sweaters, jackets, and blankets, which are not commonly used in Karachi’s relatively mild winters.
Meanwhile, educational institutions and offices have continued to operate as usual, though parents have expressed concern about young children traveling to schools during foggy mornings. Some have called for schools to consider slightly delayed timings during periods of dense fog to ensure student safety.
Traffic police have urged drivers to use fog lights, maintain safe distances, and drive at reduced speeds during foggy conditions. Authorities have also reminded motorists to avoid sudden braking and to remain vigilant, particularly on highways and major roads where visibility can drop unexpectedly.
Weather experts say that such cold and foggy conditions are typical during the winter months of January, especially when continental air flows from northern regions combine with Karachi’s coastal humidity. However, they note that the intensity and frequency of fog episodes can vary from year to year depending on broader climatic patterns.
The PMD has not issued any severe weather warnings for Karachi at this stage but has advised residents to stay updated with daily forecasts. Officials said that while the weather will remain dry, intermittent fog during early morning hours is likely to persist over the next few days.
As Karachi experiences this ongoing spell of winter weather, citizens are advised to plan their travel accordingly, check flight and traffic updates, and take basic health precautions. While the cooler temperatures have been welcomed by many as a pleasant change, the associated fog continues to pose challenges for transportation and daily activities across the city.
