Karachi witnesses hottest summer after 2015 heatwave

The Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) official said that the low atmospheric pressure area prevailing southeast of Karachi was averting the sea breeze in the city continuously, leading to high-level humidity and increasing feels-like temperatures. 

Chief Meteorologist Dr Sardar Safaraz said the ongoing heat wave was warmer than in 2015 when the temperature had gone to 44.8°C. 

On Sunday, Karachi witnessed the warmest evening and night in two years, with 39°C temperatures at 5pm.

However, the real temperature was lower, but it was feeling like 55°C.

According to Chief Met, this year, the maximum temperature in Karachi was recorded at 42°C, and these conditions were witnessed after nine years, depicting that during the heat wave, the monthly average feel-like temperature jumped up to 4°C to 5°C.

Sarfaraz said in both cases of heat waves, harsh conditions of weather were caused by low atmospheric pressure areas.

“High levels of humidity make weather hot, very difficult to bear as it increases the feels-like temperature manifold. This week, humidity has remained 50 percent or above 50pc.”

“We are seeing a repeat of similar weather conditions after nine years. The deviation from monthly average temperature remained around or above four degrees Celsius in Karachi during the ongoing heatwave,” he said when asked about the intensity of the ongoing heatwave.

“Weather patterns have changed due to the warming world. Studies suggest that intense weathers would become more frequent, prolonged and violent as global temperature rises,” Dr Sarfaraz said.