Karachi and several other cities in Sindh experienced scorching temperatures on Saturday as the ongoing heatwave tightened its grip over the province.
Moenjodaro claimed the title of the hottest place in the country on Friday, with temperatures soaring to a staggering 51℃.
Today, the mercury climbed several degrees above normal levels in Karachi, Dadu, Jacobabad, and other cities across Sindh. According to data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Karachi recorded a temperature of 37.2°C, exceeding the usual summer norms by over two degrees.
The following are the temperatures recorded in various cities of Sindh on May 25:
- Larkana: 47.5°C
- Jacobabad: 49°C
- Shaheed Benazirabad: 48°C
- Sukkur: 47.5°C
- Rohri: 48°C
- Khairpur: 47.4°C
- Dadu: 49.5°C
- Mirpur Khas: 43.5°C
- Hyderabad City: 44°C
- Badin: 42.2°C
- Tandojam: 44.5°C
- Padidan: 48°C
- Moenjodaro: 49.5°C
Meanwhile, Dadu and Moenjodaro reported the highest temperatures in the province, reaching a sweltering 49.5°C, marking an increase of four and five degrees respectively from the usual temperatures.
In Jacobabad, where temperatures soared to an unprecedented 50°C on Thursday, hospitals were inundated with patients seeking treatment for heat-related illnesses. Many patients were observed receiving intravenous treatments for heatstroke and heat exhaustion symptoms as the mercury peaked at 48°C.
In anticipation of the severe heatwave, over a thousand camps were set up across Sindh last week to provide relief to affected individuals and mitigate the risk of heat-related diseases.
The Met Office has issued forecasts predicting the intensification of the ongoing heatwave, with two additional heatwaves expected to strike in early and late June. Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz anticipates the prevailing heatwave to persist until the first week of June.
The extreme heatwave has exacerbated power supply deficits in the country, with some regions experiencing up to 15 hours of load shedding per day, as reported by local media outlets.
Pakistan’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, linked to climate change, has prompted crisis measures across the nation. Schools in Sindh, including Karachi, postponed annual examinations scheduled for last week, affecting over 20 million residents. Additionally, Punjab, the country’s most populous province, initiated an early start to summer break, closing schools one week ahead of schedule due to soaring temperatures.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued warnings of severe heatwave conditions in southern districts, including Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, DG Khan, and Multan, where temperatures may rise between 45℃-48℃. All concerned departments have been instructed to remain vigilant, and citizens are being informed about the dangers of heatwaves through various media channels.
