Karachi witnessed intense heat on 21-April-2025 as the mercury soared to 40.7°C, with relative humidity recorded at 39 percent, pushing the city into the grip of a heatwave that is expected to persist through mid-week.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had earlier warned of a “heatwave-like situation” in the metropolis, predicting that temperatures would remain 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal from Sunday, April 21, to Wednesday, April 24.
According to Anjum Zaigham, deputy director at the PMD, the ongoing hot spell is being caused by a halt in the sea breeze and a shift in wind direction, allowing hot and dry northwesterly winds from inland areas to dominate.
“We are expecting continued hot to very hot and dry weather conditions until at least Wednesday,” Zaigham said, adding that the sea breeze has been cut off temporarily due to prevailing northwesterly winds, aggravating the heat stress in urban areas.
While the humidity levels remained moderate on Monday, the “feel-like” temperature was slightly less severe compared to heatwaves driven by high humidity. PMD officials noted that morning humidity is likely to stay between 40 and 60 percent, dropping to around 15 to 25 percent by evening over the coming days.
The minimum temperature on Monday was recorded between 25°C and 27°C, with the day’s maximum peaking at 40.7°C. Similar conditions are expected on Tuesday, with daytime highs forecast between 39°C and 41°C.
The PMD has issued precautionary advice for the public, urging citizens to stay indoors during peak heat hours, particularly between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Vulnerable groups — including children, the elderly, and women — have been asked to take extra care and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Doctors and health professionals are also advising people to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using ORS (oral rehydration salts) to replenish lost fluids. They recommend wearing loose, light-colored clothing, using caps or umbrellas when outdoors, and avoiding high-sugar drinks, tea, and coffee which can cause further dehydration.
Labourers and individuals working outdoors have been urged to take frequent breaks in shaded areas and seek medical help immediately in case of symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, nausea, or excessive sweating — all of which could be signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Karachi, with its dense population and limited green spaces, has become increasingly vulnerable to heatwaves in recent years. Experts point to urban sprawl, vanishing tree cover, and global climate change as key contributors to rising city temperatures.
In the past, prolonged heatwaves have resulted in dozens of casualties in Karachi, particularly among people living in informal settlements without access to electricity, water, or adequate shelter.
To mitigate the risk of heat-related health emergencies, the PMD has shared its forecast with relevant municipal and provincial authorities, including the Karachi mayor’s office, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh, Rescue 1299, and healthcare and emergency services.
Authorities are being urged to activate heatwave response plans, ensure the availability of drinking water at public points, and keep hospitals and clinics ready to manage heatstroke patients.
As the city braces for another few days of scorching heat, officials and experts stress the importance of public awareness and early response to avoid any health crisis.
Published in News Daily on 22-April-2025.