KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted a heatwave in Karachi starting today, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 41°C — approximately 4 to 6°C above the seasonal norm. The hot spell is expected to persist until Wednesday, April 23.
In an advisory issued on Sunday, the Met Office urged the public — particularly children, the elderly, and women — to take preventive measures during the heatwave. “Avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours and stay well-hydrated,” the advisory warned.
The forecast also indicates that hot and dry conditions will prevail across most parts of Sindh. On Sunday, Karachi recorded maximum temperatures between 39°C and 41°C, with a minimum temperature of 25°C. Winds shifted from north/northwest to west/southwest throughout the day.
Widespread Heat and Power Outages Disrupt Daily Life in Sindh
Much of Sindh has already been enduring a severe heatwave for the past week, severely impacting public health and daily life, especially in the face of prolonged electricity outages. Hospitals in districts like Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, and Naushahro Feroze have reported a noticeable increase in patients suffering from heatstroke and gastroenteritis.
Despite reports from multiple areas, the Sindh Health Department has played down the extent of the rise in heat-related illnesses.
April has brought extreme temperatures to central and northern Sindh, with average highs reaching up to 45°C. In a rare event, Shaheed Benazirabad saw the mercury hit 49°C on Thursday — the highest recorded there in about seven years — creating unbearable conditions for residents, particularly vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
On Saturday, Jacobabad was the hottest city in the country at 45°C, followed by Dadu, Padidan, Mithi, and Mohenjo Daro at 43°C. Cities like Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Nawabshah recorded 42°C, while Karachi and Thatta registered slightly lower highs of 37°C and 36°C, respectively.
