Sindh is reeling under an intense heatwave, with rural districts bearing the brunt of extreme temperatures and Karachi facing hot, humid conditions, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). On Thursday, Shaheed Benazirabad recorded a blistering 49°C, a staggering 8.4°C above the seasonal norm, making it one of the hottest spots in the region.
In Karachi, the combination of high temperatures and elevated humidity levels has made the city feel significantly warmer than the recorded readings. The PMD’s official weather station in Karachi reported 37.5°C with 51% humidity, while other areas showed slight variations: Gulistan-e-Jauhar hit 38.5°C, Jinnah Terminal matched the official 37.5°C, Mauripur recorded 36.5°C, Shahrah-e-Faisal saw 35.5°C, and Bin Qasim was relatively cooler at 33°C. The sticky, humid air has amplified discomfort for residents, prompting warnings to stay cautious.
The PMD’s forecast also highlighted the likelihood of stronger-than-usual winds sweeping through Karachi in the coming days, offering potential relief from the stifling heat. However, rural Sindh remains in the grip of relentless heatwave conditions, with no immediate respite in sight for districts like Shaheed Benazirabad.
Local authorities have urged residents to take preventive measures against heatstroke, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours, and seeking shade whenever possible. “The extreme heat in rural Sindh, particularly in areas like Shaheed Benazirabad, poses serious health risks,” a PMD spokesperson noted. “We strongly advise the public to prioritize safety.”
As the heatwave persists, residents across Sindh are adapting to the challenging conditions, with many in Karachi hoping the forecasted winds will bring some relief to the sweltering urban landscape.