Karachi braces for hot and humid weather as heat intensity persists

Karachi: According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department Karachi is expected to remain under the influence of hot and humid weather conditions with officials advising residents to take precautionary measures as heat intensity is likely to persist across the city today.

The department said elevated humidity levels are expected to make conditions feel considerably hotter than the actual temperature adding to discomfort in several parts of the city.

The Met Office has forecast that the maximum temperature in Karachi is likely to range between 40°C and 41°C today, while the “feels like” temperature may rise to between 45°C and 46°C.

Officials said the minimum temperature recorded in the city today was 29°C, while the temperature during the morning hours stood at 31°C. Humidity was recorded at 34 percent, which could make conditions feel 2 to 3 degrees hotter than the actual reading.

Weather authorities said westerly winds are currently blowing at a speed of around 9 kilometres per hour. The sky is expected to remain clear throughout the day, and there is no forecast of rainfall.

The department noted that the heat recorded yesterday did not break Karachi’s previous temperature record for the month of May. The city’s highest temperature ever recorded in May remains 48°C.

It further clarified that the current spell of hot weather is being described as heatwave-like conditions. A heatwave is generally declared when sea breezes remain suspended continuously for three to five days, temperatures exceed 40°C, and humidity levels rise significantly.

The Meteorological Department added that hot and humid weather is expected to persist for one more day, after which temperatures are likely to gradually ease as sea breezes begin to return.