Cold wave predicted to intensify in January

The ongoing cold wave affecting various parts of the country, including Karachi, is expected to intensify further in the second week of January 2025, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast issued on Wednesday.

Sardar Sarfaraz, chief meteorologist at PMD said that, “Cold conditions may intensify in the second week of January.”

He noted that light showers are expected in parts of Balochistan from January 3 to 5, adding, “The country is likely to witness less snowfall and rain this winter season compared to previous years.”

The weather expert’s comments come as temperatures in Karachi and other areas have frequently dropped to single digits during the current month.

The cold wave is not restricted to Karachi, as temperatures have fallen below freezing in several regions of Balochistan.

The Met Office forecasted mainly cold and dry weather across most parts of the country, with very cold conditions expected in hilly areas during morning and night. Partly cloudy skies with light rain and snow are likely in Kashmir and surrounding hilly areas during the evening and night.

It also predicted that smog may persist in isolated plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh during morning and night hours. Frost could form in isolated locations of Islamabad, the Pothohar region, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during morning hours.

Over the past 24 hours, temperatures in Skardu were recorded at -11°C, Astore and Gupis at -8°C, Gilgit at -7°C, Quetta and Ziarat at -6°C, and Hunza, Bagrote, and Dir at -5°C.