Heat wave persists in city
Several people brought to city hospitals with heatstroke symptoms. PHOTO: REUTERS
Karachi's scorching heat wave continued unabated on Friday, with temperatures soaring to 39 degrees Celsius. However, suburban areas got a brief reprieve with light showers.
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that thunder-cells developed in the suburbs due to the hot weather, resulting in light rain in some areas of the city such as Orangi Town, Gulistan-e-Johar, Karsaz, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Sharae Faisal. PMD reported that the highest precipitation of 11mm was recorded at Karachi Airport Old Terminal, followed by 7.5mm at PAF Base Faisal, 1.6mm at University Road, and 1mm at Orangi Town.
The brief rain in the city brought the traffic to a grinding halt, with key areas like Sharae Faisal, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Dalmia Road, and Drig Road severely affected.
Rainwater accumulation on Sharae Faisal's tracks has crippled the traffic system, causing monumental jams and lengthy queues.
Commutes that normally take minutes are now taking hours, frustrating citizens.