City sizzles as sea breeze stalls

Temperatures climb to 36.3°C with heat index at 40°C, warmer days likely through Monday

KARACHI:

A developing heatwave gripped the metropolis on Friday as sea breezes remained disrupted during the afternoon, causing the mercury to rise by 1.8°C compared to the previous day, reaching 36.3°C, while the heat index touched 40°C.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the current heat spell may persist until Monday, during which sea breezes are expected to remain intermittently inactive. The temperature may further rise to 38°C on Sunday.

PMD Deputy Director and spokesperson Anjum Nazeer Zigham said there is no possibility of a full-fledged heatwave at present in Karachi. He described the ongoing situation as a "partial heatwave," adding that such conditions are common in April.

He said that this year, due to the influence of multiple weather systems associated with western disturbances, weather patterns in Karachi and rural Sindh have been affected, resulting in delayed onset of typical seasonal heat conditions. However, he warned that an increase in heat intensity is expected in the coming days.

Anjum Nazeer further stated that heatwave conditions are usually associated with sustained disruption of sea breezes, temperatures reaching 40°C or above, and humidity levels around 60 per cent or higher.

Non-government weather analyst Faizan Khan also termed the current spell a partial heatwave, stating that it is not of extreme intensity. He said the heat is being driven by a high-pressure system over the Middle East and the southern Arabian Sea, which may persist until April 13.

According to the PMD Early Warning Centre forecast, hot and dry weather is expected to continue across most parts of Sindh. Maximum temperatures recorded on Friday included 39.5°C in Jacobabad and Mithi, making them the hottest areas in the province.