Karachi broke 57-year record with hottest October nights on record

Karachi experienced record-breaking heat in October, with nighttime temperatures surpassing those last recorded in 1967. Winter, meanwhile, seems far from arriving in the metropolis.

According to the Meteorological Department, the lowest average temperature previously recorded was 30.6 degrees Celsius in October, 1967. 

However, last month, the city saw a new low of 30.9 degrees Celsius, marking a 0.3-degree increase after 57 years.

The sizzling temperature also broke the previous year's record for the lowest minimum nighttime temperature.

This year in October, nighttime temperature reached 26.3 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous year's minimum night temperature of 25.7 degrees Celsius.

The Met department further stated that the minimum temperature in Karachi this October was 0.6 degrees higher than the same period in 2023.

While much of the country has experienced cooler temperatures, Karachi continues to grapple with unusually hot and dry conditions for the post-monsoon season. Experts confirmed that this was an 'abnormal' weather pattern for October.

PMD chief Sardar Sarfaraz attributed the current sweltering conditions to specific meteorological factors.

He explained that previously, low air pressure led to a depression in the Arabian Sea, which blocked sea breezes in the area. This resulted in increased humidity, making the feel-like temperature more than 10°C higher than the actual temperature, reaching 49-50°C. 

Karachi experienced unusually warm weather during the first week of October due to this depression.

In the second week of October, hot, dusty desert winds from the north and Balochistan swept through Karachi, causing unbearable heat.

"For the past two to three days, temperatures in Sindh have been higher than normal," said the Chief Met. The high-pressure system at the deep and upper levels of the sea is driving up temperatures in the city.

How long will this scorching spell last?

PMD Chief Sardar Sarfaraz predicted hot weather will prevail in Karachi until the first 10 days of November, the mercury is expected to come down slowly after three days. 

Karachi is increasingly suffering from the impacts of climate change, leading to a significant reduction in the cold weather period that traditionally spans from November to January.

This year, residents can expect an even shorter winter, with little to no signs of wintry conditions in the first 8 to 10 days of November. 

Additionally, the Met Office also predicted above-normal temperatures for Karachi from October to December, which further diminished the chances of a good winter.