If you’ve stepped outside near the Committee Chowk or tried to catch a ride on Murree Road this morning, you probably felt it. That sharp, biting air that hits you right in the face. Honestly, winter in Pindi is its own beast. It isn't just about the numbers on a screen; it’s about that specific mix of humidity and the mountain breeze rolling off the Margallas.
Right now, today's temperature in Rawalpindi is sitting at a crisp 48°F.
For most of us living here, that means layers. Lots of them. The sun tried its best earlier with a daytime high of 62°F, but as of 8:40 PM on this Saturday, January 17, 2026, the real chill is settling in. If you're heading out for a late-night bite in Saddar, be ready for it to drop even further to a low of 43°F before the sun comes back up.
Understanding the Pindi forecast: Clouds, wind, and the "RealFeel"
People often complain that the forecast says one thing while their frozen fingers say another. There’s a reason for that. Today has been mostly cloudy, which acts like a giant lid on the city. Sometimes it keeps the heat in, but mostly it just makes everything feel a bit damp and grey.
Here is the raw data from the first weather report for Saturday:
- Current Reading: 48°F (as of 8:40 PM)
- Daily High: 62°F
- Daily Low: 43°F
- Humidity: 66% (which is why the air feels so heavy)
- Wind Speed: 3 mph coming from the North
- UV Index: 0 (basically non-existent tonight)
- Precipitation: 0% chance of rain for the rest of tonight
The wind is barely a whisper at 3 mph, but because it’s coming from the North, it’s carrying that Himalayan essence straight into our streets. Even a slow wind at these temperatures can make a 48-degree night feel significantly colder if you aren’t shielded by a brick wall or a decent jacket.
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Why the humidity matters more than you think
Humidity is currently at 66%. In the summer, high humidity makes you feel like you're melting. In the winter? It does the opposite. Moist air is better at pulling heat away from your body than dry air. That’s why a 48-degree night in Rawalpindi often feels "colder" than the same temperature in a desert climate.
You've probably noticed your car windshield fogging up more than usual or the laundry taking forever to dry on the line. That's that 66% humidity at work. It clings to everything.
How today's temperature in Rawalpindi compares to the regional average
Usually, Rawalpindi in mid-January is a bit of a gamble. Historical data suggests our average high is around 62°F and the low is 39°F. So, today is actually pretty much "on the money" for the high, though the low of 43°F is slightly warmer than the historical average. We aren't in a record-breaking cold snap, but it’s certainly not a "warm" winter day either.
The NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) actually issued an alert recently about widespread rainfall and heavy snow in the surrounding Pothohar region starting from January 20. While today remains dry with a 0% chance of rain tonight, that incoming system is likely what’s pushing this cloud cover over us right now.
Managing the Rawalpindi chill: Practical tips
Since the temperature is going to bottom out at 43°F tonight, there are a few things you should probably do if you haven't already:
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- Check your geyser: If you have an older gas heater, make sure the pilot light is steady. Pindi's gas pressure can be notoriously fickle when the mercury drops.
- Seal the drafts: Those gaps under the doors at the front of the house? Shove a "snake" or a rolled-up towel there. At 43°F, that draft will turn your living room into an icebox.
- Mind the plants: If you have sensitive tropical plants on your terrace, move them closer to the walls. The "north wind" we're seeing at 3 mph is just enough to bite the leaves of more delicate greenery.
Basically, tonight is a "soup and sweater" kind of night. The sky is clear for now, but those clouds from earlier today have left a lingering dampness that makes the 48°F feel quite substantial.
Actionable steps for the next 24 hours
- Nightly Low: Prepare for the 43°F dip by late tonight/early Sunday morning. Ensure all windows are tightly shut before midnight.
- Morning Commute: Sunday morning will likely start cold. If you're heading to work or the market early, expect temperatures to stay in the mid-40s until at least 10:00 AM.
- Gas Safety: Never leave a gas heater running in a closed room while you sleep. The drop in temperature often tempts people to do this, but it is incredibly dangerous. Use heavy quilts instead.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on the 20% rain chance predicted for the daytime hours tomorrow, as the cloud cover isn't going anywhere just yet.