Karachi has experienced its coldest night of 2024, with temperatures dipping to 8.9°C on Sunday night, as reported by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The temperature at Jinnah Terminal recorded a low of 8.9°C, while other areas in the city, including Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Shahrah-e-Faisal, saw temperatures of 10.5°C and 11.5°C, respectively, while, temperature in Mauri Pur reported at 12.5°C.
According to PMD, the weather in Karachi is cold and dry, with daytime temperatures expected to reach 27°C.
Alongside the cold weather, Karachi’s air quality is a growing concern.
READ: Karachi to witness uptick in cold as mercury likely to drop 03°C
The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 183, indicating unhealthy air conditions. Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious due to the ongoing pollution.
In contrast, Lahore and other parts of Punjab are experiencing a prolonged dry spell, with no rainfall expected in the coming days. Lahore’s minimum temperature dropped to 5°C, with a forecasted maximum of 20°C.
Karachi is witnessing an alarming rise in respiratory illnesses, with cases reportedly doubling compared to previous years.
Experts attribute this surge to deteriorating air quality caused by severe dust pollution from ongoing road construction, deforestation, and unchecked burning of garbage in the metropolis.
As reported by local media here on Thursday, Dr. Javed Ahmed Khan, a senior pulmonologist at Karachi’s private hospital, stated that while respiratory problems increase with the onset of winter (as cold and dry air carries more pollutants), this year their number has almost doubled, both in terms of hospitalized patients and those visiting OPDs.
Referring to the spread of diseases due to dust pollution, he said, “I think the air quality has deteriorated rapidly, due to the ongoing road constructions across the city, trees are being cut down and people are burning garbage on the roads, as well as vehicles emitting toxic fumes, which are not being checked by the authorities.”
