What's making October unusually warm in Karachi?

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 confirm that this is an 'abnormal' weather pattern for October.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) noted that the current weather conditions are unusual for October, as the metropolis has been experiencing hot conditions for weeks. Weather indicators predict three more hot days in Karachi.

“The temperature increased to 35-39°C last week, which is 13-17°C higher than normal temperature in October,” said PMD Chief Sardar Sarfaraz, who shared several reasons behind the abnormal weather conditions in the Port City.

However, the high-temperature trend prevailed in Karachi on Tuesday, with the mercury expected to increase to 37-39°C and "the feels-like temperatures can reach up to 40-44°C." 

🔴 KARACHI: Another HOT and HUMID Day is Expected. Today Maximum Temperature Can Reach upto 37-39°C While Due to High Humidity Levels of 50-70% The Feels Like Temperatures Can Reach upto 40-44°C in different parts of the city. Air Quality will Remain unhealthy for Sensitive pic.twitter.com/laUqrU79Xs

— Weather Updates PK (@WeatherWupk) October 29, 2024

The "meteorological factors" causing the recent high tempratures

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?

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.