Heat wave to hit Karachi from today

Mercury expected to rise up to 40 degrees Celsius over next four days

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a heat wave in the city starting today (Saturday), with the mercury expected to rise up to 40 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature recorded on Friday was 39.5 degrees Celsius. Met officials said that the intensity of the heat was felt more than the actual temperature due to the reduction in the wind speed blowing from the sea.

According to Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz, a low-pressure system has formed in the south of Karachi and areas of Indian Gujrat and Mumbai which could also turn into a depression over the next few days. Winds blowing from the sea are affected due to the low-pressure system and it is likely that the south-western winds will be completely suspended.

According to Sarfaraz, the heat wave will start today (Saturday) and could continue till September 24. The intensity of this heat wave is expected to be moderate because the humidity levels are moderate. The humidity level on Friday was recorded at only 34% despite the rise in temperature.

According to the forecast issued by Heat Wave Centre, the temperature level could increase extraordinarily between Saturday and Tuesday.

The Met Department has alerted all the health facilities in the city regarding the expected heatwave so that they may make the necessary arrangements.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 21^st, 2019.