By our correspondent
KARACHI: Hopes for relief from the relentless heatwave gripping Karachi have all but evaporated, as the Meteorological Department warns of three more sweltering days ahead. Today, the city braced for another scorching day, with temperatures likely to soar beyond 40 degrees Celsius. Forecasts indicate a high of 40 degrees on Monday and 39 degrees on Tuesday, as hot, dry winds from Balochistan continue to impact the coastal metropolis.
In the early hours, humidity levels may rise, but these are expected to remain moderate during the afternoon. Notably, the Meteorological Department has clarified that while the current conditions are severe, they do not constitute a formal heatwave, which is defined by the sustained absence of sea breezes for three consecutive days, alongside temperatures lingering at or above 40 degrees and humidity exceeding 60 percent. In rural Sindh, the mercury could climb as high as 42 degrees in regions such as Sajawal, Thatta, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, and Tharparkar.
The recent rise in temperatures was exacerbated by hot northwestern winds from Balochistan, pushing the thermometer to 39.2 degrees Celsius on Thursday. A notable drop in humidity caused the heat index to register at 39 degrees, with Friday’s forecast suggesting temperatures could exceed 38 degrees. Karachi experienced a brief reprieve on Thursday night, but the heat returned with a vengeance, with daytime temperatures crossing the 37-degree mark by noon.
For districts in rural Sindh, such as Sujawal, Thatta, Umerkot, and Tharparkar, the Early Warning Center predicts temperatures ranging from 37 to 39 degrees, while other areas in the province brace for similarly oppressive conditions. As the city grapples with these extreme temperatures, the ongoing struggle against the heat remains a pressing concern for residents and authorities alike.
