PkRevenue.com – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heatwave warning for Karachi, predicting extremely hot weather over the next two days.
As Pakistan’s financial and commercial hub, Karachi is set to experience temperatures soaring to 43 degrees Celsius, with Wednesday already recording a high of 42 degrees Celsius.
The PMD has indicated that heatwave conditions will prevail over central and southern parts of the country, including Karachi, during this period. The city’s residents are advised to take necessary precautions to cope with the extreme heat.
Heatwave Impact Across Sindh
The heatwave is not limited to Karachi. Other areas in Sindh are experiencing even more extreme temperatures. On Wednesday, Jacobabad and Dadu reported the highest temperatures at a scorching 51 degrees Celsius. Cities such as Sibbi, Khairpur, Larkana, and Mohenjodaro recorded 50 degrees Celsius. Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Rohri, Turbat, and Lasbella reported temperatures of 49 degrees Celsius, while Sakrand, Padidan, Hyderabad, and Rahim Yar Khan reached 48 degrees Celsius. Kasur, Bhakkar, and Jhang experienced temperatures of 47 degrees Celsius.
Synoptic Situation
The current synoptic situation reveals that continental air is dominating most parts of Pakistan. Additionally, a shallow westerly wave is present over the northern regions of the country. This combination of meteorological factors is contributing to the widespread heatwave conditions.
Weather Conditions Across the Country
On Wednesday, May 29, 2024, the weather across Pakistan was predominantly hot and dry. Gusty and dust-raising winds were observed in some areas. However, there was a forecast for isolated rain and thunderstorms in regions such as Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas.
For Thursday, May 30, 2024, the PMD forecasts that very hot weather will continue in most plain areas of the country. There is a possibility of windstorms and thunderstorms, along with isolated rain, in Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northeast Punjab.
Past 24-Hour Weather Recap
In the past 24 hours, very hot weather prevailed over most plain areas of Pakistan. There were isolated occurrences of light rain and drizzle in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Precautions for Karachi Residents
Given the forecast, Karachi residents are urged to take several precautions to mitigate the effects of the heatwave:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
2. Limit Outdoor Activities: Try to stay indoors during peak heat hours, usually from 12 PM to 4 PM.
3. Wear Light Clothing: Opt for loose, light-colored clothing to stay cool.
4. Use Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays if you need to go outside.
5. Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure that children, the old age people, and those with health conditions are staying cool and hydrated.
Emergency Response
The Karachi city administration and health departments are on high alert to handle any emergencies arising from the heatwave. Hospitals are prepared to treat heatstroke and dehydration cases, and citizens are encouraged to seek immediate medical help if they experience symptoms of heat exhaustion.
As Karachi faces this intense heatwave, staying informed and prepared can help mitigate its impact on daily life. The next couple of days will be challenging, but with appropriate precautions, the city can navigate through this period safely.
