KARACHI: The mercury in the port city may soar to 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday (today), with hot and dry conditions expected to persist over the next three days, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said in its latest forecast.
According to the Met Office, Karachiites should brace for intense heat as well as intermittent strong winds, which are likely to blow through the metropolis today and tomorrow. The PMD said the weather pattern is part of a broader heat spell affecting much of Sindh, where most areas will remain hot, with some parts experiencing extremely high temperatures.
The warning follows a week of steadily rising temperatures in the city. On Thursday, the PMD had predicted highs ranging from 37°C to 39°C on Friday and Saturday, a forecast that held true as the heatwave conditions intensified.
Last Tuesday, the temperature in Karachi peaked at 38.1°C, with humidity at 53% and light winds blowing from the north.
Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Afzal had warned earlier that a sustained rise in temperatures was expected nationwide in the coming months, exacerbated by the urban heat island effect in densely populated cities like Karachi.
Afzal cautioned that temperatures across the country could remain 2°C to 3°C above normal, while Karachi could see increases of up to 4°C above the seasonal average. He stressed that the intensifying heat could heighten drought risks and impact daily life.
As the heat continues to build, the PMD has urged citizens to take precautionary measures. These include staying well-hydrated, avoiding direct outdoor activities during peak hours, and conserving water to minimise the strain on public resources.
The PMD has urged residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak hours, and conserve water as part of preventive measures against the growing heat and water stress.