Heatwave returns for third time to city this year as mercury hits 40.5C

Karachi
The metropolis, for the third time in the year, witnessed a rise in the temperature as it crossed the 40 degree Celsius threshold on Wednesday, reported the Met department.
Stating a change in the wind direction due to an air pressure present in the upper atmosphere, instead of the sea breeze North Westerly winds had started blowing in the city, informed Met department’s regional director Abdur Rahid.
The meteorologists said the weather would continue to remain hot for the next two days.
No heatstroke patients or related illnesses were reported at any of the medical facilities in the city. All hospitals were put on high alert till October 2, following the announcement of the forecast.
The highest temperature in the city was recorded at 40.5 degrees Celsius while humidity was recorded at 24 percent. The temperature was expected to remain between 39-41 degrees Celsius on Thursday (today). The temperature was expected to lower down from Saturday onwards - between 35-36 degrees Celsius.
City health director Dr Zafar Aijaz informed that all health facilities had been alerted and were prepared to deal with any eventuality. Doctors and paramedical staff had also been advised to remain on duties while essential medical supplies had been arranged for the hospitals.

Chief secretary
Provincial Chief Secretary Muhammad Siddique Memon had also directed that presence of doctors and other staff be ensured at the hospitals whereas heat stroke relief centres were also asked to be established in the city. Memon directed for the leaves of doctors and paramedics be cancelled with a warning of disciplinary action against those who failed to report for duty.
The K-Electric and Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) were also directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity and water supply. He asked citizens to adopt necessary precautionary measures during the heat wave.
The KMC also imposed an emergency in health and other relevant departments. City administrator Sajjad Hussain Abbasi also called for cancellation of leaves of its employees. 42 medical centres were set up by the civic body, whereas KMC’s emergency centres could also be contact in case of an emergency.