Scorching heat persists in Hyderabad

Light rain brings momentary relief, but prolonged power outages disrupt daily life

HYDERABAD:

The intense summer heat continued unabated in Hyderabad on Sunday, with temperatures soaring to 41°C. A brief spell of light rain in the evening brought short-lived relief to residents, but soon after, large parts of the city were plunged into darkness due to widespread power outages. Water supply was also severely disrupted in many areas.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature recorded was 41 degrees Celsius with humidity at 37 percent. The scorching sun kept streets deserted during the afternoon, and despite the weekend, most markets saw little to no footfall.

Around 5pm, weather patterns shifted with overcast skies and gusty winds blowing at speeds of up to 37 kilometers per hour from the southwest. Shortly after 6pm, light drizzle, misty showers, and brief rain fell in parts of Latifabad, Qasimabad, Kohsar, and central Hyderabad. While residents welcomed the rain, their joy was cut short as electricity supply was disrupted almost immediately.

In many areas, including Latifabad Unit No.6, electricity was suspended for two to four hours following even minimal rainfall. Residents of Muslim Rajput Colony reported that their feeder shut down at 5 PM and remained offline for nearly four hours.

The disruption in electricity also affected water pumping stations, leaving residents unable to store drinking water - especially problematic since most areas receive water supply in the evening hours.

Adding to public frustration, frequent power tripping was reported throughout the day, with ten- to fifteen-minute blackouts every hour, even during scheduled supply windows.

Despite multiple attempts, HESCO officials could not be reached for comment regarding the cause of the outages or the state of the transmission system affected by wind and light showers.