City expects another cold wave by Dec 18

KARACHI:

As the city braces for the effects of an impending winter season, cold weather is expected to settle in by December 18.

On Monday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 15 degrees and a maximum temperature of 31.1 degrees Celsius.

Reportedly, a westerly system is anticipated to bring a significant drop in temperature, with north-easterly and sea winds prevailing in Balochistan over the next few days.

The PMD has reported that the second winter rain system this year is set to enter Balochistan by December 15, potentially affecting the upper regions of the country and Sindh simultaneously.

The cold air trailing the rain system may influence Karachi and rural Sindh districts, leading to a notable temperature drop and chilly weather starting from December 18. PMD Karachi Chief Sardar Sarfaraz has assured that the rain situation in Karachi will become more clear in the next few days under the anticipated winter system.

However, he gave a forecast of clear days and cool nights expected.

Read Karachi shivers in coldest night of current winter

In various districts of rural Sindh, Mithi experienced the lowest temperature at 6 degrees Celsius on Monday.

Sea winds bring respite to Karachi's air quality

Karachi experienced an improvement in air quality, securing the 35th position on the global pollution index on Monday. This positive shift was attributed to the cleansing effect of south-westerly winds blowing in from the sea.

Conversely, Lahore struggled with severe pollution, maintaining its top position as the world's most polluted city. Lahore's atmospheric particulate matter reached a recorded 268, leading the global charts. According to the air quality index, Delhi secured the second spot with 245 particulate meters, followed by Dhaka at third with 230 particulate meters, and Kuwait City at fourth with 174 particulate meters.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2023.