As climate change tightens its grip, the Karachi heatwave alert is back. Residents of the port city have been warned to prepare for extreme heat, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 41°C between April 20 and April 23. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the weather will remain hot, dry, and 4°C to 6°C above normal for this time of year.
Surge in Temperature Forecasted
PMD Deputy Director Anjum Zaigham stated that the sudden halt in sea breeze, coupled with shifting wind patterns, will worsen the heat. Northwesterly winds are expected to dominate, cutting off the cooling effect of the sea.
He added, “We expect hot to very hot and dry conditions over the next few days.” Although humidity is relatively low — currently at 40% — the heat will still feel intense, especially in the afternoons.
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Humidity to Fluctuate
Forecasts indicate that morning humidity levels may stay between 40% and 60%, dropping to as low as 15% to 25% in the evenings. This drop reduces the heat index slightly, but the actual temperature remains dangerously high.
On Sunday and Monday, maximum temperatures will range between 39°C and 41°C, while minimum temperatures are expected to hover between 25°C and 27°C.
PMD Issues Precautionary Advice
The PMD has urged citizens to take safety measures to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Experts recommend the following:
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Avoid direct sun exposure, particularly between noon and 4 PM.
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Stay hydrated by drinking water and ORS frequently.
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Wear loose, light-colored clothes and cover your head with a cap or damp cloth.
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Avoid outdoor exertion, especially during peak heat hours.
People working under the sun, such as laborers and delivery workers, are advised to take frequent breaks in shaded areas and steer clear of drinks like tea, coffee, and sugary sodas, which can lead to dehydration.
Urban Heat and Public Health Risk
Heatwaves have become increasingly common in Karachi due to factors like rapid urbanization, shrinking green spaces, and rising global temperatures. Past heatwaves have resulted in hundreds of deaths, especially among those lacking basic amenities such as electricity, clean water, or adequate shelter.
Weather Extremes Across Pakistan
While Karachi bakes under a heatwave, Punjab and Islamabad are bracing for the opposite — hailstorms and heavy rains. At the same time, South Punjab and interior Sindh are also enduring intense heat, showing just how drastically weather conditions can vary across the country.
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