Weather system in India blamed for hot spell in city

A low-pressure system hanging in the deserts of Rajasthan, India, is responsible for the unusual hot spell in southern Sindh and the metropolis, said the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in its latest synopsis.

The depression over Rajasthan was pulling in hot winds from the region, resultantly, Karachi as well as Thatta, Badin and Thrparkar were getting hot gusts from Balochistan.

Hot winds from the north-west kept the cool sea breeze at bay in the port city on Friday. Subsequently, the mercury rose by 3.6 degrees compared to the previous day to exceed 39 degrees on Friday. However, a heat wave-like situation did not arise due to low humidity.

Per PMD, the current hot spell may subside gradually. The temperature in the city was recorded at Gulistan-e-Jauhar at 40.5 degrees Celsius.

A new westerly wind will enter Pakistan via Balochistan on April 9, though there were no chances of rain in the port city, the PMD said.

According to PMD Karachi spokesperson Anjum Nazir, the heat intensity in the city may persist till Monday. The mercury in the city may exceed 39 degrees.

Per forecast, sea breezes may remain suspended during the day and resume in the late afternoon. Subsequently, a rather warm day will be followed by a relatively cooler evening.

The temperature in the city will decrease by two to three degrees from Monday. The maximum temperature will return to 34 to 35 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The maximum temperature in Mithi of rural Sindh was 42.5, while Chhor recorded 41 degrees Celsius.