High pressure system to intensify heatwave

Karachi braces for hot and humid conditions on Eid days

KARACHI:

A strengthening high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere is expected to intensify heatwave conditions across Sindh, while Karachi may experience extremely hot and humid weather during all three days of Eidul Adha.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, humidity levels in Karachi could rise to 80 per cent in the morning and 70 per cent in the evening, making temperatures feel up to five degrees Celsius higher than the actual reading. Although sea breezes are expected to remain active throughout Eid, the heat intensity could still feel as high as 42°C.

On Tuesday, Karachi recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2°C, but due to 62 per cent humidity, the heat index reached an uncomfortable 42°C. Meanwhile, Jacobabad recorded the highest temperature in Sindh at 49.5°C during extreme heat conditions.

The Met Office said the ongoing high-pressure system has become stronger, causing moderate to severe heatwave conditions in most districts of Sindh until May 31. Several districts of upper and central Sindh, including Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, and Naushehro Feroze, could see temperatures rise by four to six degrees above normal, with mercury possibly touching 50°C.

Deputy Director and spokesperson of the Meteorological Department, Anjum Nazir Zaigham, said that consecutive western weather systems had kept temperatures relatively balanced across the country compared to previous years.