Hottest since 2018: city turns into a furnace at 44.1°C

The port city was scorched on Monday as temperatures surged to 44.1°C - up by 3.2°C - marking one of Karachi's hottest days in nearly seven years.

What made the situation worse was the near-total collapse of sea breezes throughout the day, effectively turning the city into a heat trap. In their place, hot northwesterly winds swept across Karachi, especially during the afternoon, bringing sharp, burning gusts that left citizens exhausted.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the extreme conditions were triggered by a subtropical high-pressure system near India combined with a low-pressure area over Rajasthan and central Sindh. This disrupted Karachi's usual coastal airflow, cutting off the cooling sea breeze and replacing it with dry inland winds.

Temperatures climbed rapidly through the day - already reaching 41°C by 11am and crossing 43°C by early afternoon - creating near heatwave-like conditions across the city. However, relatively low humidity levels of 17% helped prevent widespread heatstroke cases despite the intensity.

Meteorologists noted that a persistent high-pressure system at mid-atmospheric levels has been fueling extreme heat across the region, particularly over India. As it shifted westward, Karachi came under its influence, triggering the sudden spike in temperatures. A simultaneous low-pressure system over Rajasthan and adjoining Sindh further worsened conditions by altering wind patterns and blocking sea breezes.

Despite the severity, the city did not break historical records. Karachi's highest May temperature remains 46°C in 2018, while the all-time May record stands at 48°C, recorded in 1938.

Relief may be on the way. The Early Warning Centre forecasts a gradual drop in temperatures to 37°C-39°C, with possible return of sea breezes later in the day and further easing by Wednesday. Elsewhere in Sindh, the heatwave-like spell continues, with Mithi recording the province's highest temperature at 44.5°C.