Pakistan is currently experiencing extremely cold weather, with temperatures dropping sharply in both mountainous regions and the plains.
Weather in Pakistan
The Pakistan Meteorological Department said on Saturday that the cold conditions are expected to intensify in the coming days.
On January 11, 2026, Pakistan is expected to face cold and dry winter conditions.
Dense fog across the plains and freezing temperatures in the northern areas are also expected.
Meanwhile, Met Office Deputy Director Irfan Virk said that while winter conditions remain severe, no record-breaking temperatures have been recorded anywhere in the country so far.
Karachi
In Karachi, air quality showed slight improvement on Friday evening.
However, the pollution levels in several areas remain harmful. Especially for sensitive groups or sick individuals.
Air quality readings recorded at 5:30pm on January 10 showed mixed results across the city.
Some areas improved, while others continued to fall under unhealthy categories.
Orangi Town recorded the highest Air Quality Index reading at 167. This means it is in the unhealthy range.
Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 14 followed with an AQI of 153.
Several areas were marked as unhealthy for sensitive groups.
These included Shahrah-e-Faisal, Mauripur, Clifton Block 4, DHA Phase 5, University Road, and Gulistan-e-Johar.
Health officials advise residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with breathing problems, to limit outdoor activities during poor air quality conditions.
School winter vacation in Punjab
Earlier, due to the severe cold, the Punjab government announced a one-week extension in winter vacations for schools and colleges.
The decision was taken to protect students’ health as the cold wave continues across the country.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said the extension was approved after a public survey conducted on his social media page.
He said the decision was made after considering concerns raised by parents and the health risks posed by the cold weather.
Many parents had expressed worry over the harsh conditions and demanded more holidays for children after forecasts warned of an intense cold spell.
