Karachi records hottest day of the year, mercury to rise further on Thursday

Karachi experienced its hottest day of the year on Wednesday, with temperatures expected to rise further to 43°C on Thursday, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

The city is feeling the effects of a heatwave, as predicted by the PMD. The minimum temperature on Wednesday was recorded at 30°C, with humidity levels reaching 75%. The suspension of the usual southwesterly sea breeze contributed to the hot and humid conditions.

During the afternoon, the port city was hit by scorching winds. High humidity levels made the heat feel even more intense. The maximum temperature recorded in the city was 41.5°C, while daytime humidity was noted at 54%.

Read more: PMD issues heatwave warning for Karachi

The heatwave is also expected to affect rural areas of Sindh, including Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal, from Thursday. Karachi's temperature could range between 41°C and 43°C, while these rural districts may see temperatures between 43°C and 45°C.

Regal bath: A tigress rests in water at her cage on an extremely hot and humid day in the city. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS

A heatwave alert has been issued for Karachi and other coastal districts including Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal. 

The PMD forecasts extremely hot and dry conditions on Thursday, with temperatures potentially surpassing 43°C. On Wednesday, the temperature in Jacobabad spiked to 51°C, 7.2°C above the normal range.

Chief Meteorologist Karachi, Sardar Sarfraz, stated that the heatwave, which had previously impacted Punjab, upper Sindh, and Balochistan, has now reached Karachi and other parts of Sindh.

Also read: Severe heatwave forces Sindh residents indoors

He said that Karachi's temperature was recorded 6°C higher than the usual May average, adding that the heatwave is expected to persist in Karachi until June 1, with relief anticipated from June 2 onwards, when temperatures may drop to between 35°C and 36°C.

However, he warned that the rural Sindh may continue to experience heatwave conditions until June 15.

Sarfraz added that following a brief period of reduced high pressure between June 2 and June 4, temperatures in rural Sindh might slightly decrease. However, a resurgence of high temperatures and heatwave conditions is expected from June 4 onwards, he concluded.