Karachiites celebrate a sweltering Eid

Weather expected to remain hot in coming days

KARACHI: Karachiites celebrated Eidul Fitr in extremely hot weather this year. The temperature remained high all three days while the humidity level crossed over 60%. Given the scorching sun and hot winds, there was less traffic seen on roads this year.

On the second day of Eid (Thursday) mercury hit 41 degree Celsius while the highest temperature recorded on Wednesday was 36.5 degree Celsius. The highest temperature recorded on Friday was 38.5 degree Celsius with wind speed recorded between 20 KPH to 40 KPH. The city experienced seawinds from the western side - Lasbella, Balochistan. Hot winds coupled with scorching sun and high humidity levels meant that it felt hotter than the actual temperature. According to the MET department, the risks of a fully fledged heat wave were minimised, however, as winds coming from the southwest of the sea continued to blow.  The humidity level was recorded on Friday at 75%.

Instead of the usual hustle bustle on Eid, traffic on the roads was scattered and remained low as citizens preffered to stay indoors given the hot weather. Traffic increased after sunset.

The MET office has forecast a drop in temperature today (on Saturday). Mercury is expected to hit 35 degree Celsius today and 37 degree Celsius on Sunday. However, if the humidity persists citizens will still feel the brunt of the hot weather which is expected to persist in coming days. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2019.