Karachi swelters at 42°C

Effects of the predicted heatwave could be felt as south-west winds blowing from the sea were suspended on Tuesday

KARACHI: The city is expected to experience extreme temperatures in the next few days. The latest spell of the heatwave in Karachi, forecasted by the Pakistan Metrological Department, started showing its effects on Tuesday as extremely hot gusts of wind blew across the city due to the hot and dry wind blowing from Balochistan and the north-west. The suspension of wind blowing from the sea added to the hot weather. Mercury was recorded to hit 42 degree Celsius on Tuesday.

Following the warning issued on April 27 by PMD, another advisory was issued Tuesday evening by the heatwave centre stating that the heatwave may persist till May 4. Temperatures are expected to drop from May 5.



South-west winds blowing from the sea suspended on Tuesday morning while hot, dry and partially dusty winds from the north-west gusted into the city and consequently reduced visibility from six kilometres to 1.5km.

The hot winds blew all afternoon and gradually the temperature escalated. Minimum temperature on Tuesday was recorded at 24.5 degree Celsius, with the moisture levels being measured at 62% in the morning and 15% to 18% later in the day.

Although routine life was affected and traffic on the roads was relatively less than on an average weekday, the moisture level in the air remained moderate and fortunately the situation is not yet reminiscent of the 2015 heatwave.



Precautionary measures

Sindh government claims to have completed arrangements for the prevention of heat strokes in the coming days. At more than a 100 spots scattered across the city, water troughs have reportedly been installed and heat stroke centres and hospital camps have been established. The government has also assured of coordination between the district administration, the health department, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), traffic police, K-Electric and all private hospitals.

Besides, the staff of hospitals under the Sindh health department and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) are on high alert and have been restricted from taking offs in the next three days.

Emergency wards have been established in all government and private hospitals including Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital. The availability of drips, ORS, showers and other medical facilities to treat heat affected patients have also been ensured.

Exercising caution

PMD and health experts have advised citizens to avoid being out in the sun unless necessary and drink as much water as they can.

Along with remaining hydrated, citizens are advised to wear light clothes and cover their heads with wet towels if they do find themselves exposed to the heat.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr Anwar Sohail Qureshi said that arrangements at the hospital were complete.

Dr Qureshi said that diseases triggered in the extremely hot weather include gastro-intestinal diseases, diarrhoea, and skin related ailments. Heat stroke symptoms include headache, dizziness and losing consciousness, he added.

He advised that people eat light foods, drink cold beverages, juices and increase their water intake to remain hydrated. If they are to spend time outside during the heatwave, they are advised to cover their heads with wet towels, he added.

According to him, during the current weather children, athletes, labourers and the elderly are most vulnerable as they are more likely to spend time outside.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 1^st, 2019.