That time of the year: 42 degrees may stay for up to 3 days

KARACHI: The mercury shot up to to 42 degrees Celsius in the city on Tuesday, as dry winds reduced humidity and made it difficult for people to venture out. “Sea winds were cut off for most of the day and the dry continental air came over the city,” said chief meteorological officer Mohammad Tauseef. Humidity had been reduced to only four per cent at one point. “This hot spell will continue for another two or three days.” However, he predicted that the temperature might drop by a degree or two in the coming days. “This temperature is not unusual for this month.” The highest temperature in Karachi, of 46 degrees Celsius, was recorded on May 22, 1981. Chhor experienced the highest temperature in Sindh at 42.7 degrees on Tuesday, followed by 42 degrees in Thatta and Mithi, 40.5 degrees in Nawabshah, 39.6 degrees in Dadu and 39.5 degrees in Hyderabad.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2012.