Karachi usually has normal weather which, in simple terms, means a little cold during the winter and a little hot during the summer. Yes I know sometimes but very rarely the temperature does get out of hand as it did in June 2015 with temperatures soaring as high as 49 degrees.
It was nothing short of a catastrophe as it claimed the lives of nearly 2,000 people from dehydration and heat strokes. Not only human beings but animals also suffered as that heat wave also claimed lives of zoo animals and numerous agricultural livestock.
Cold waves are rare in Karachi, specially the ones that might bring the temperature down to single digits, but it seems that weather patterns are changing fast and according to reports, Karachi is about to face the coldest winter temperatures in its history. This is not an isolated or local event but the result of changing global weather patterns that indicate the arrival of cold Siberian winds in our city.
Karachi or Pakistan are not the sole city or country that are affected but globally the landscape has turned white and major cities are buried in snow with air traffic suspended, highways deserted and abandoned and travelers stuck at airports and train stations across the globe.
According to reports, we are also expecting a Polar Vortex collapse which is a phenomenon that can help polar winds to enter Asia and substantially bring down temperatures. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has rejected the Polar Vortex prediction and insists that it will be a normal winter.
Doesn’t seem so as Karachi is already freezing and decidedly it is a much colder winter than the ones we have experienced previously. Also, another disruption by the Polar Vortex has already taken place as predicted earlier, which was associated with a severe cold spell across eastern half of the USA.
During the hot summer months and heat waves that follow there are many remedies that are implemented to help the common man, which might include setting up of water stations where one can rehydrate oneself and rest for a while. During heat waves in the USA all police stations and other such government organizations open the doors to their air-conditioned offices for travelers to find some respite.
This might not be possible in Pakistan basically because of the large number of people seeking such respite and the not so cordial relationship between the public and various government organizations. Also, sheltering from heat and saving yourself from bitterly cold weather are two different ball games.
It is comparatively easier during summer as after the sun goes down there is some respite while during winter the cold only intensifies and requires proper shelter and adequate clothing. Every time a cold wave strikes during winter my thoughts are drawn towards the thousands of men, women and children lying on the streets under bypasses and whatever other shade they can find.
My thoughts are specially drawn towards the little ones who have to brave the cold and how people who are better off cuddle and protect their siblings making sure they are well protected and sleep peacefully. Yes there are many organizations setting up food dispersal stations but I am not sure if there is one that distributes adequate winter clothing, including blankets and other warm protective items required in such weather.
In North America this task is predominantly looked after by the Salvation Army who also establishes soup kitchens for the homeless and needy. Not only are the homeless welcomed at these soup kitchens but volunteers of the organization also fan out in different neighborhoods to supply warm soup and some fast food to the destitute who are mostly found under the staircases of different apartment buildings.
Surprisingly, most of these homeless people prefer their resting places under staircases and other such abodes than any poor homes where they might be accommodated.
We are nearing the end of January and it has turned cold but not as freezing cold as was being predicted. Also, there has been no snowfall in areas that usually do not receive any snow or rain in other parts of the country.
So far things are under control and this is a winter like any other. Let us hope it stays this way if only for the sake of the homeless who have to brave any severe weather that comes our way.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
The writer is a well-known columnist