Islamabad, January 9, 2026 — Karachi, Pakistan’s principal financial and commercial centre, has recorded single-digit temperatures as a pronounced cold spell continues to grip large parts of the country. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the minimum temperature in the metropolis dropped to 9°C, with forecasts indicating a further decline to around 7°C in the coming days.
Meteorologists attribute the prevailing cold conditions to the dominance of continental air over most regions of Pakistan. This synoptic pattern has resulted in dry and cold weather across the country, with particularly severe conditions in northern and hilly areas. The PMD noted that Karachi’s unusually low temperatures for this time of year reflect the broader intensity of the ongoing winter system.
At the national level, the PMD forecast cold and dry weather for Friday across most regions, while very cold conditions are expected in mountainous areas. Moderate to dense fog is likely to persist over Punjab, upper Sindh, and the plain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, potentially affecting visibility and transportation. Similar weather conditions are expected to continue on Saturday, with the added possibility of frost at isolated locations in the Pothohar region and parts of Kashmir during the morning hours.
Weather conditions over the past 24 hours remained largely cold and dry nationwide, while extremely low temperatures were recorded in northern regions. The lowest minimum temperatures included Leh at minus 14°C, Skardu at minus 12°C, Astore at minus 11°C, and Gupis at minus 9°C. Other areas such as Hunza, Kalat, Gilgit, Bagrote, and Kalam also experienced sub-zero temperatures.
The PMD has advised the public to take necessary precautions amid the intensifying cold spell, particularly in fog-prone and frost-affected areas.