Karachi endures most intense heatwave since 2015

The port city has been gripped by sweltering weather for the eighth consecutive day due to a low atmospheric pressure area northeast of the city.

Chief Meteorologist Dr Sardar Sarfaraz stated that this heatwave is the most intense since the 2015 heatwave when temperatures soared to 44.8°C. This year, the maximum temperature recorded was 42°C, with humidity levels exacerbating the heat.

"High humidity levels make the heat unbearable, significantly increasing the feels-like temperature," he said, pointing out that humidity had remained above 50% this week.

The average minimum temperature in June has been between 29-30°C, considerably higher than usual. Karachi's highest-ever June temperature was 47°C, recorded on June 18, 1979.

Dr Aamir Alamgir from Karachi University’s Institute of Environmental Studies highlighted that Karachi’s average yearly temperature is 25.9°C, with annual precipitation around 194 millimetres.

Over the past 59 years, Karachi's mean temperature has increased by 2.25°C, a tenfold rise compared to the global average.

The combination of high temperatures, humidity, damaged water supply networks, and frequent power outages has had catastrophic effects, especially on lower socioeconomic groups. Several deaths have been reported due to heatstroke, with three fatalities on Sunday alone.

According to the Met department, humidity was 63% at 10:00 am on Sunday, with a temperature of 35°C, resulting in a heat index of 47°C. By 5:00 pm, the heat index rose to 55°C as the temperature climbed to 39.2°C with 54% humidity. The maximum temperature recorded on Saturday was 38°C.

However, Dr Sarfaraz mentioned that the low-pressure area has weakened over the past two days and is expected to lose its influence by Monday morning, bringing relief from the heatwave conditions.