Heatwave loses grip on city

Mercury drops by 3.5°C as strong winds sweep Karachi; heatwave conditions in Sindh likely to end today

KARACHI:

After days of sweltering heat, Karachi residents experienced noticeable relief on Friday as strong sea winds swept across the city, lowering temperatures and easing the intensity of the ongoing heatwave. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) expects the prevailing heatwave conditions in Sindh to end from today, bringing a respite to millions affected by the recent spell of extreme weather.

The city's temperature dropped by 3.5 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day, with the maximum temperature recorded at 36.5°C. On Thursday, the mercury had surged to 40°C. Despite humidity remaining high at 65 per cent, the heat felt less severe due to strong southwesterly winds blowing at speeds of up to 42 kilometres per hour (23 knots).

According to the PMD, cloudy skies and stronger-than-usual sea breezes contributed to the reduction in heat intensity across the metropolis.

The Met Office has forecast a hot and humid day for Karachi today, while stronger winds than usual are expected to persist on Monday.

Meanwhile, the PMD's Early Warning Centre said the current heatwave situation in Sindh is likely to subside from today. It also forecast dust storms, gusty winds, thunderstorms and light rain at isolated locations in the districts of Kashmore, Shikarpur, Ghotki, Jamshoro, Dadu, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Khairpur, Umerkot and Tharparkar.

Authorities have warned that strong winds and squalls could damage vulnerable structures, electricity poles and billboards, urging residents to exercise caution during adverse weather conditions.