KARACHI, QUETTA: Karachi experienced its first winter rain early Saturday morning, with light drizzle and showers reported in various areas of the city.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast partly cloudy weather in the evening, while weather expert Owais Hyder has indicated the possibility of more light drizzle in some parts of Karachi.
The meteorologist stated that this wet spell might increase the intensity of the ongoing cold weather starting today.
According to Met Office data, drizzle was recorded in Sharea Faisal, Karsaz, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Federal B Area, MA Jinnah Road, Numaish Chowrangi, Guru Mandir, Dalmia, Shanti Nagar, Scheme 33, University Road, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Baldia Town, Orangi Town, and North Nazimabad.
Additionally, light rain was observed in Hub Chowki and Surjani.
The showers align with PMD’s earlier prediction that the weather would turn chillier starting January 4 (today) under the influence of westerly winds.
Despite the rain, Karachi’s air quality remained poor, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 257, classified as “very unhealthy.” Swiss air quality monitor IQAir reported the concentration of toxic PM2.5 pollutants at 182 µg/m³, which is 36.4 times higher than World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Meanwhile, Balochistan’s capital Quetta and surrounding areas, including Ziarat, Mastung, Lakpass, and Kan Mehtarzai, received their first snowfall of the season. This snowfall followed brief rain showers, expected to continue until January 5.
Snowfall is also anticipated in districts like Killa Abdullah, Killa Saifullah, Zhob, and Barkhan.
The Met Office has predicted that rain and snowfall will persist until January 5 (Sunday).
Rain was also reported in Kohlu and nearby regions, while showers were recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu. Intermittent snowfall has been observed in Gilgit’s Diamer, Babusar Top, and Nanga Parbat.
