Karachi braces for heatwave this week as mercury soars in southern Pakistan
KARACHI: Authorities in Pakistan's largest city of Karachi are bracing for a heatwave expected to hit the metropolis next Sunday, with the mercury already surging to high levels in some parts of the southern Sindh province.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast 'heatwave conditions' are likely to continue in Sindh, South Punjab and Balochistan till Apr. 18. It said that a shallow westerly wave is expected to affect the upper parts of the country from Wednesday afternoon until Apr. 20.
The highest temperature during the day in Sindh was recorded in Nawabshah, 47° C., as per the Met Office. The temperature in other cities of Sindh such as Larkana and Jacobabad surged to 46° C.
'Mainly hot and dry weather is expected over most parts of the country, while very hot in southern parts,' the Met Office said. 'However, dust/thunderstorm-rain is expected at isolated places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar region, Islamabad, northeast Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during (evening/night).'
Meteorologist Anjum Zaigham told Arab News that a heatwave situation is anticipated in Karachi from Sunday onwards. He said the temperature in the city these days is 'more or less normal,' ranging between 34 to 37 degrees Celsius.
'Starting this coming Sunday, there will be an increase in the intensity of heat in Karachi, and it is expected that the temperature may reach close to 40 degrees Celsius, potentially creating a heatwave-like situation,' Zaigham said.
He noted that high humidity, particularly in the morning, contributes to a higher 'feels like' temperature.
'From this coming Sunday until Wednesday or Thursday, a heatwave like situation may develop in Karachi,' he said.
Relief stalls were set up in different districts of Karachi, with the commissioner's office spokesperson saying more roadside relief centers will be established to provide water and first aid in case of emergency.
Climate change is exacerbating heat waves in Pakistan, leading to more frequent extreme temperatures. Pakistan ranks among the top ten most vulnerable to climate change impacts and also faces increased risks of untimely downpours, floods and droughts.
These heat waves contribute to various illnesses, significant economic losses and weather-related deaths during the summer season. A deadly heat wave in Karachi in 2015 resulted in over 2,000 deaths, while devastating floods in 2022 killed approximately 1,700 people and affected over 33 million nationwide, requiring extensive rebuilding efforts.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
3 days ago
- Arab News
Palmeiras ease past Al Ahly in Club World Cup
The match was suspended in the 63rd minute because of a weather warning For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Al-Ahsa records highest temperatures on Tuesday
Saudi Gazette report AL-AHSA — The Arabian Gulf region experienced an intense heat wave on Tuesday. Kuwait recorded the highest temperature on the planet, reaching 51.3 degrees Celsius, exceeding half the boiling point, in a worrying environmental indicator that goes beyond a mere weather phenomenon. According to Abdullah Al-Misnad, vice president of the Saudi Weather and Climate Society, Al-Ahsa and Dammam in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia recorded on Tuesday temperatures reaching 49.6 degrees Celsius and 49.3 degrees Celsius respectively, amid rising temperatures in several Gulf regions. Al-Misnad noted that five Gulf countries are among the world's hottest regions, with temperatures in more than 10 locations exceeding 48 degrees Celsius, which he described as "an alarming level." He stressed that heat is no longer just weather, but an environmental, economic, and tourism warning. He underlined the need to take a serious stance from the part of the relevant authorities and society to adapt to this new reality imposed by accelerating climate change.
Leaders
29-05-2025
- Leaders
Hajj 2025: Hot to Extremely Hot Weather Expected at Holy Sites
As Wednesday May 28, 2025 marked the first day of Dhu'al-Hijjah, the Hajj season for this year will take place during the first ten days of June 2025. In the light of this, the Saudi National Center of Meteorology (NCM) announced its weather forecast for the Hajj season. In a press conference, the NCM's Chief Executive, Ayman Ghulam, said that the expected weather conditions at the Holy Sites will be hot to extremely hot. According to Ghulam, the maximum temperatures in the Holy Sites during Hajj are forecast to range between 40 and 47 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the minimum temperatures will range between 27 and 32 degree Celsius. Moreover, the humidity levels could reach up to 60%. The Holy Sites are likely to experience northerly to northwesterly winds at speeds ranging from 25 km/h to 35 km/h. These winds may stir up dust and reduce visibility, particularly in open areas and highways, he noted. Additionally, the NCM's Chief Executive pointed to the possibility of thunderclouds formation in the highlands of Taif. Their impact could extend to the Holy Sites from Dhu'al-Hijjah 8-13, bringing strong downwinds that raise dust and dirt. The prolonged exposure to high temperatures could lead to heat exhaustion, which may develop in some conditions to heatstroke. Many pilgrims experience heat exhaustion or heatstroke due to exposure to the sun for a long period of time. To avoid heatstroke, pilgrims are advised to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, apply sunscreen, drink plenty of fluids, and use light-colored umbrellas. Short link :
