Karachi Swelters Under 42°C as Heatwave Grips Pakistan's Largest City

Key facts

• Gulistan-e-Jauhar recorded Karachi's highest temperature at 42°C on Sunday.
• Humidity at 52% made the heat index feel as high as 45°C.
• The Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a heatwave alert for Monday, with temperatures forecast to exceed 41°C.
• Jacobabad in rural Sindh recorded the highest temperature in the province at 46°C.
• Karachi's official weather station reading was 4.9°C above the May average of 36°C.
• Hot and dry northerly winds suppressed sea breezes, intensifying heat across coastal and inland areas.
• Shaheed Benazirabad reached 45.5°C, and Hyderabad hit 45°C, both significantly above seasonal norms.

Record Heat in Karachi's Eastern Suburbs

Karachi endured heatwave-like conditions on Sunday, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department reporting a maximum temperature of 42°C and humidity at 52 percent, pushing the heat index to a sweltering 45°C. The eastern suburb of Gulistan-e-Jauhar recorded the highest temperature in the city at 42°C, while Jinnah Terminal Airport registered 41.4°C, Mauripur 40°C, and Shahrah-e-Faisal 39.5°C. The heat index — which measures what the temperature actually feels like — remained four to five degrees higher than the actual reading during the hottest part of the day, the department said. Hot and dry northerly winds persisted, and opposing wind patterns kept sea breezes inactive for several hours, exacerbating the discomfort for millions of residents.

Meteorological Alert for Monday

The unusually hot weather is expected to continue on Monday, when the maximum temperature could exceed 41°C, according to the PMD. The department issued a heatwave alert, warning that the combination of high temperatures and humidity would create dangerous conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations. Karachi's official weather station recorded a temperature 4.9°C above normal, with the average for May standing at 36°C. The PMD attributed the prevailing conditions to a persistent high-pressure system over the region, which suppressed sea breezes and intensified heat across both inland and coastal areas.

Sindh Province in Grip of Intense Heat

Much of Sindh remained in the grip of intense heat, with maximum temperatures in several districts climbing well above seasonal averages. Jacobabad emerged as the hottest location in the province at 46°C, nearly four degrees above normal. Shaheed Benazirabad recorded 45.5°C, while Hyderabad city reached 45°C, both showing significant positive departures from average levels. In upper Sindh, highs of 43°C and 44.5°C, respectively, while Sukkur and Rohri recorded relatively lower temperatures at 41.5°C, close to normal. Central districts also experienced elevated temperatures, with Dadu and Padidan both recording 44.5°C, and Khairpur reaching 44°C. Mirpur Khas and Thatta registered 43°C and 42°C, respectively, with Thatta recording a notable departure of over 4°C above normal.

High-Pressure System Blocks Sea Breezes

Meteorologists attributed the heatwave to a persistent high-pressure system over the region that suppressed the sea breezes which normally moderate coastal temperatures. The PMD noted that hot and dry northerly winds prevailed, and opposing wind patterns kept sea breezes inactive for several hours, preventing any relief. This high-pressure system acted as a heat dome, trapping warm air and intensifying temperatures across both inland and coastal areas. The phenomenon is not uncommon in the pre-monsoon season, but the duration and intensity of this event have raised concerns among weather officials.

Health Risks and Precautionary Measures

With the heat index making conditions feel even hotter, health officials warned of increased risks of heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses. Residents were advised to stay indoors during peak hours, keep hydrated, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. The PMD's alert underscored the need for preparedness, especially in densely populated areas like Karachi where power outages can exacerbate the situation. The city's hospitals have been put on standby to handle potential heat-related emergencies.

Outlook: Continued Heat and Potential Storms

The PMD has indicated that the heatwave conditions are likely to persist in the coming days, with temperatures remaining above normal across much of Sindh. However, the department also issued a separate alert for hailstorms and heavy rain across the country from May 2, suggesting a possible shift in weather patterns. For now, Karachi and other urban centers face a prolonged period of extreme heat, testing the resilience of infrastructure and public health systems. The combination of high temperatures, humidity, and a lack of sea breezes creates a particularly oppressive environment that shows no immediate sign of abating.

The bottom line

• Karachi's heat index reached 45°C on Sunday, with Gulistan-e-Jauhar recording the highest temperature at 42°C.
• The PMD issued a heatwave alert for Monday, forecasting temperatures above 41°C.
• A persistent high-pressure system suppressed sea breezes, intensifying heat across Sindh.
• Jacobabad recorded the highest temperature in the province at 46°C, nearly 4°C above normal.
• Health officials warned of increased risks of heatstroke and dehydration, urging precautions.
• The PMD also issued an alert for hailstorms and heavy rain from May 2, indicating a potential weather shift.