Karachi Heatwave Intensifies as Temperatures Soar Above 42°C, PMD Issues Alert
The port city of Karachi remained in the grip of intense heat on Monday, with temperatures expected to rise above 42°C as the suspension of sea breeze, combined with persistent hot and dry northwesterly winds, pushed weather conditions close to a heatwave.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), hot and dry weather is likely to prevail in most parts of Pakistan, with southern regions expected to experience extremely high temperatures. Most districts of Sindh and southern Balochistan are forecast to remain under very hot and dry conditions.
Blistering winds swept through Karachi on Sunday, sharply increasing temperatures across the city. The PMD reported that the weather station at Old Airport recorded a maximum temperature of 40.9°C along with 52 percent humidity, making the conditions feel significantly hotter. The heat index rose by four to five degrees above the recorded temperature, pushing the “feels like” temperature to around 45°C.
Among different localities, Gulistan-i-Johar recorded the highest temperature at 42°C, followed by Jinnah Terminal at 41.4°C, Mauripur at 40°C, and Sharea Faisal at 39.5°C. Meteorological officials explained that heatwave conditions are typically defined by a sustained halt in sea breeze for three to five days, temperatures exceeding 40°C, and humidity levels rising above 65 percent.
The Met Office had earlier forecast very hot and dry weather for Monday, with temperatures likely to reach 41°C under the influence of hot northwesterly winds. However, some relief is expected by evening as the sea breeze is likely to resume. From Tuesday, temperatures are forecast to ease slightly, ranging between 36°C and 38°C.
In interior Sindh, Jacobabad recorded a scorching 46°C, making it the hottest district in the province. Other districts including Jamshoro, Dadu, Nawabshah, Ghotki, and Sanghar are also facing extreme heat conditions.
Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh, issued an alert to provincial authorities in response to the ongoing heatwave. He directed officials to establish heatwave relief camps immediately and ensure special arrangements in hospitals for the treatment of heatstroke patients. He also urged citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and stay hydrated.
Meanwhile, the PMD reported that Shaheed Benazirabad, Sakrand, and Dadu recorded some of the highest temperatures on Friday, reaching up to 46.5°C, several degrees above normal for this time of year. In Hyderabad, temperatures also crossed the 45°C mark.
Authorities have warned that persistently high temperatures may continue in the coming days and have advised residents to limit outdoor activities, take precautionary measures, and remain vigilant against heat-related illnesses.