No respite from heatwave till Thursday

Long-duration power outages in sweltering heat exasperate conditions

KARACHI:

The metropolitan city is currently baking in a severe heatwave as millions of Karachiites swelter in high temperatures while grappling with widespread long-duration power outages in several neighbourhoods. The prolonged electricity disruptions have triggered angry protests across the metropolis.

Temperatures soared to 41.3 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day on Tuesday. The closure of sea breeze exacerbated the heat, with northwesterly winds from Balochistan maintaining unusually high temperatures. Relative humidity was recorded at 63%. The weatherman predicted no respite from the ongoing heatwave until Thursday when it will gradually subside.

The ongoing load-shedding, lasting 10 to 12 hours in many areas, has exacerbated living conditions during this heatwave. The situation has led to health concerns among residents, overwhelming hospitals and triggering widespread discontent. Nighttime power outages from 12am to 6am have further disrupted daily life for the city's denizens.

The areas most affected include Korangi, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, and others, where power outages plagued residents despite assurances of feeder exemptions. They are outraged over the inflated electricity bills, reaching up to Rs70,000 for larger households, despite unreliable power supply. Many are calling for government intervention to address what they call "unfair billing" practices and inadequate service from K-Electric.

However, K-Electric claims that the overall power supply situation is normal, acknowledging 10-hour load-shedding in areas with line losses, consumers argue that the reality on the ground does not reflect these claims. The disparity has intensified public frustration and demands for immediate resolution.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a slight relief from the heatwave soon, with the possibility of rain and cooler temperatures expected to alleviate conditions by June 29.

On Tuesday, the PMD recorded temperatures in Gulistan-e-Jauhar was 40 degrees Celsius; PAF Base Faisal, 39 degrees; and PAF Base Masroor. 36 degrees. The lowest temperature was recorded in Bin Qasim Town at 35 degrees Celsius.

A westerly weather system from Rajasthan, India, is expected to enter Tharparkar on Tuesday night, potentially bringing light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning to Karachi on June 29. The PMD has forecasted rain across the country from June 26 to July 1, influenced by a monsoon system approaching from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. A low-pressure area south of Indian Gujarat is expected to enhance these conditions, possibly leading to thunderstorms, strong winds, lightning, and rain in several regions including Mithi, Umerkot, Mirpur Khas, and others.

Karachi's Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz foresees improvements in the current heatwave over the next one to two days.