Sindh in heatwave’s grip as Karachi sizzles at 39.5°C

A punishing heatwave continued to grip most parts of Sindh on Wednesday, with several cities in the province recording dangerously high temperatures up to 47°C, while Karachi too sweltered under extreme heat, with the temperature soaring to 39.5°C in some localities, officials said.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Jacobabad, Dadu, Padidan, Sakrand, Shikarpur, Moenjodaro and Shaheed Benazirabad were among the hottest spots in the province, registering maximum temperatures between 46.5°C and 47.5°C — six to eight degrees above the monthly average. The situation was most severe in Moenjodaro, which recorded 8.2°C above normal temperature.

In Karachi the mercury officially peaked at 38.8°C but reached up to 39.5°C in areas like the Jinnah Terminal and Gulistan-e-Jauhar, pushing the city into the red zone of the heatwave impact chart. The city experienced hot, humid and occasionally windy conditions throughout the day.

“The ongoing heatwave affecting most parts of Sindh is expected to persist until May 1, after which a westerly wave is likely to influence the region and bring some relief,” said Anjum Nazir Zaigham, deputy director at the Office of Meteorological Director, Karachi.

“There is a possibility of dust-thunderstorms or light rain at isolated places in districts like Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Badin, Mirpurkhas and Umerkot starting May 1.” The forecast for Karachi suggests continuation of the hot and humid spell with occasional gusty winds until Friday. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 36°C and 38°C on Thursday, and 35°C and 37°C on Friday.

Humidity levels will hover around 65-75 per cent in the morning and 40-60 per cent in the evening, making the weather feel even more oppressive. The PMD has issued a heatwave alert, urging residents, particularly children, the elderly and outdoor workers, to stay hydrated and avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours.

It also warned of potential damage due to wind-thunderstorms in vulnerable areas, advising the public and authorities to secure loose structures such as signboards, electricity poles and solar panels.

Farmers have also been advised to manage crop activities according to the weather conditions, and take necessary steps to protect their livestock from heat stress. Zaigham said that the anticipated westerly system may bring temporary respite, but heatwave conditions can return intermittently in May. “Public vigilance and precaution remain key to avoiding heat-related health complications.”