Port city welcomes rare chill

PMD's forecast of cold snap brings out jackets, mufflers and winter cheer

KARACHI:

The bustling port city known for its long summers and fleeting winters, is finally bracing for a proper cold spell. After weeks of anticipation, residents are dusting off their sweaters, jackets and mufflers as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts a sharp drop in temperatures beginning January 4 or 5.

The icy winds of Siberia having crossed thousands of miles from Russia to Afghanistan entered Balochistan and were on their final leg to reach Karachi and die out on the Arabian Sea. The gusts, locally known as Quetta Wind are expected to pull the mercury down to single digit.

For a city where winter rarely lingers, the forecast has sparked excitement, with minimum temperatures expected to dip into single digits for several days.

According to officials, a rain-bearing western system that recently swept across southern Balochistan is now moving eastward, bringing showers to Punjab and snowfall to Murree and the Galiyat. Karachi, meanwhile, has already seen cloudy skies and light drizzle in some areas.

The system is expected to shift further, allowing cold northern winds to spread across Pakistan and push Karachi's mercury down to levels rarely experienced by its residents.

PMD Deputy Director Anjum Nazir explained that the western disturbance has already benefited drought-hit regions of Balochistan, where rainfall and snow in Ziarat have revived hopes for relief.

In Sindh, Hyderabad, Larkana, Dadu and Jamshoro recorded significant showers, while Karachi itself saw up to six millimeters of rain in Keamari. Sukkur reported 24 millimeters, making this one of the more widespread winter rain events in recent years.

Chill out

For Karachiites, however, the real thrill lies not in rainfall but in the promise of crisp mornings and chilly evenings. After weeks of mild weather, the city's maximum temperature of 26°C has left winter enthusiasts disappointed. Now, with the cold winds set to arrive, residents are celebrating the chance to finally layer up. "It's time to bring out the sweaters and warm shawls," one shopper told The Express Tribune, adding that the chill signals the true arrival of winter in Karachi.

The seasonal shift has also ignited fashion trends across the city. Puffer jackets, once a niche choice, have become the must-have item of winter 2025-26. Lightweight yet warm, they are available in oversized and shiny styles, appealing to both men and women. "Puffer jackets give us the perfect blend of warmth and style," said a young shopper at a private mall, noting that the trend has quickly become part of Karachi's winter identity. Velvet and khaddar fabrics are also making a comeback, with boutiques showcasing rich textures and colors suited to the short but cherished season.

Beyond fashion, the cold spell brings a sense of festivity. Families are preparing for cozy evenings with hot tea, roasted peanuts and steaming bowls of soup. Street vendors are stocking up on dry fruits and winter snacks, while cafés are promoting seasonal menus featuring hot chocolate and spiced coffee. For many, the chill is less about discomfort and more about nostalgia-a reminder of Karachi's rare winters when the city slows down just enough to savor the season.

Meteorologists caution that the cold wave may last four to five days, with temperatures dropping sharply before gradually easing. Yet even this brief spell is enough to lift spirits. In a city where summer dominates most of the year, the arrival of winter is celebrated almost like a festival. Jackets, mufflers and warm socks are not just practical necessities-they are symbols of Karachi's collective joy at embracing the cold.

As January unfolds, Karachiites are ready to welcome the chill with open arms, stylish layers and steaming cups of chai. For them, winter may be short-lived, but its charm is undeniable.