Karachi feels the heat

Temperature will remain within the range of 40 and 42 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday

KARACHI: The Met Office forecast on Thursday that heatwave in Karachi would continue on Friday and Saturday, due to the persistent suspension of winds from the sea. It is predicted that the temperature in the city during this period would remain within the range of 40 and 42 degrees Celsius.

According to the Met Office, the heatwave would persist in the city till June 15 and winds from the sea would remain suspended throughout this period. The temperature in the city would begin to drop from Monday, predicted the Met Office.

Another heatwave may hit Karachi on Thursday

Impact of the heatwave was also felt on Thursday, when humidity level exceeded 60% and southwestern winds blowing from the sea remained suspended during the day. Northeastern winds from Balochistan prevailed in the city. According to the Met Office, temperature rose to 40 degrees Celsius on Thursday and humidity level reached 51% during the daytime, as heat index peaked to 56 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

According to Pakistan Meteorological Department Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz, it is possible that winds from the sea would remain suspended for a long period.



The recent spell of heatwave in Karachi is a consequence of Cyclone Vayu, which is now being classed as a very severe cyclonic storm, equivalent to a category-one hurricane. The cyclone was at a distance of 510 kilometres from Karachi on Thursday afternoon, carrying along winds travelling at a speed of 175km per hour. Winds of up to 12km per hour reached the coastal area of the city.

Cyclone Vayu has intensified over the past few days, resulting in the prevalence of dry continental air in most areas of Pakistan. Keeping in view this development, mainly hot and dry weather is expected in most areas of the country on Friday.

However, thunderstorms and rains, along with gusty winds would be experienced in the southeast region of Sindh, including Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Karachi, Sukkur, Larkana and Shaheed Benazirabad. Besides, the Met Office has also issued warnings of dust storm and heavy rains in Thatta, Badin and Tharparkar.

According to PMD officials, the present situation in Karachi is similar to the one experienced during a heatwave spell in 2015, which resulted in the death of many citizens.

People suffer from prolonged power cuts amid hot weather in Karachi

In light of the heatwave warning issued by Pakistan Meteorological Department, Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) has directed regional police authorities to establish heatstroke units at district level across Sindh.

Sindh IGP also ordered the relevant authorities to ensure that medicines, cold drinking water and juices are available at heatstroke centres. He said that there is a dire need to create awareness about heatstroke prevention and treatment among public and a campaign should be launched for this purpose.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14^th, 2019.