Karachi experienced some relief as the maximum temperature fell to 38.3°C after a two-day heatwave. The Met Office has forecast continued hot and humid weather and warned of another heatwave later this month.
KARACHI: Karachi saw some relief on Tuesday after the intense heatwave of the previous two days eased, with the maximum temperature dropping by 5.8°C from a day earlier, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
The Met Office said the city’s highest temperature was recorded at 38.3°C. Even so, weather conditions remained hot and humid, though less harsh than in recent days.
Sea breezes stayed partially to completely inactive for much of the day, while strong sunshine added to the feeling of heat, particularly in the afternoon. Humidity climbed to 58 percent, which increased discomfort despite the decline in temperature.
Readings from different weather stations showed variation across Karachi. Gulistan-e-Johar recorded the highest temperature in the city at 39°C. It was followed by 37.3°C at Jinnah Terminal, 36°C on Shahrah-e-Faisal, 35°C in Mauripur and 34.3°C in Bin Qasim Town.
In interior Sindh, temperatures remained much higher. Mithi recorded 44°C, while Chhor reached 43°C.
Forecast for coming days
According to the Met Office’s Early Warning Centre, Karachi is likely to continue experiencing hot and humid conditions over the next three days. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 36°C and 38°C on Wednesday, and between 35°C and 37°C on Thursday.
The forecast said winds are expected to blow from the west during the early part of the day before shifting to southwesterly sea breezes later.
Warning of fresh heatwave
Met Department spokesperson Anjum Nazir Zaigham warned that another heatwave could affect interior Sindh from May 7, increasing temperatures in several districts.
He also said a fresh spell of extreme heat may affect Karachi and other coastal areas from May 13, which could push temperatures up again. Coastal districts including Badin and Thatta may also come under the influence of the expected heatwave.
The latest drop in temperature brought temporary relief to Karachi residents, but official forecasts indicate that hot and humid weather is set to persist in the city in the coming days, with the possibility of another heat spell later this month.
