Karachi heat intensifies as PMD warns of rising temperatures in Sindh

KARACHI: Karachi remained under hot weather conditions on Saturday, with the maximum temperature reaching 38.5 degrees Celsius, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), as authorities also warned of heatwave conditions in central and upper Sindh.

The PMD said the intensity of the heat in Karachi was expected to increase from Sunday. It forecast the temperature in the city could rise to 40°C on Sunday and further to 41°C on Monday, with hot and dry weather likely to persist during this period.

In a heatwave alert, the Met department said, "Hot or very hot and dry weather likely to prevail over most parts of the province. However, heatwave conditions [to] continue to prevail in the central and upper parts of the province till tomorrow."

The department said daytime maximum temperatures were likely to remain 3-5 degrees Celsius above normal in Jamshoro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Kashmore, Ghotki, Sanghar, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Jacobabad, Larkana and Sukkur districts.

It also forecast dust thunderstorms and gusty winds in Jacobabad, Larkana, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Sukkur and Ghotki districts on Saturday and Sunday. The PMD warned that wind or dust storms may

damage loose structures like electric poles, trees, vehicles and solar panels at vulnerable locations

.

Public advised to take precautions

PMD Deputy Director Anjum Nazir Zaigham cautioned residents about a marked increase in temperatures and urged precautionary steps to protect elderly people, children, valuables and animals from the expected heatwave. He said heatwave conditions were likely to continue in Karachi until May 3, with high temperatures and dry weather persisting across the city.

Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity and follow safety measures, especially during peak afternoon hours. The PMD also advised the public,

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the daytime and remain hydrated.

while asking farmers to consider weather conditions during work and to take care of livestock.

Zaigham said westerly winds were expected to affect the region after the current spell, which could bring some relief and temporarily reduce the severity of the heat. However, he warned that the broader outlook for May and June remained severe, with intense heatwaves likely in parts of Sindh, southern Punjab and Balochistan as temperatures were expected to stay above normal.

CM Murad issues directives

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah urged the public to adopt precautionary measures and issued directions to the relevant district administrations. He said that, according to the Meteorological Department, Jamshoro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki and Sanghar were facing heatwave conditions.

The chief minister directed district administrations in the affected areas to set up heatwave relief camps. He also ordered special arrangements in hospitals for heatstroke patients.

Murad advised people to take precautions before going outdoors and urged them to cover their heads, drink water, stay in shaded places and avoid working under direct sunlight.

The PMD also predicted the maximum temperature in Karachi Division would remain between 38-40 degrees Celsius on Sunday and between 39-41 degrees Celsius on Monday.