Following a brief spell of light rain that offered some relief to Karachi residents on Thursday, the city endured extreme weather conditions with temperatures exceeding 40°C for the fifth consecutive day.
The oppressive heat and humidity persisted, taking a toll on vulnerable populations, leading to the deaths of seven individuals, including a senior journalist, due to heatstroke.
The Meteorological Office reported that the maximum temperature reached 40.5°C with 52% relative humidity. By 2:00 pm, the heat index soared to 53°C, reflecting the intense conditions despite the actual temperature being 40°C.
Although isolated dust-thunderstorms and rain were forecasted on the city’s outskirts for Friday, Karachi was expected to continue experiencing hot and humid weather, with temperatures ranging from 37°C to 39°C. The restoration of the sea breeze, blocked by a low atmospheric pressure area in recent days, was anticipated by Friday evening.
Late Thursday afternoon, light rain accompanied a dust storm in several parts of the city. The Met department recorded the highest rainfall of 22 millimeters in Surjani Town, followed by North Karachi (14mm), Gulshan-i-Hadeed (10mm), Malir Halt (4.4mm), Korangi (2.5mm), Nazimabad (1.4mm), and old Airport (0.3mm). ‘Trace’ amounts of precipitation were reported in various areas.
Amidst ongoing healthcare challenges, particularly with heat-related illnesses, seven more fatalities were reported, including two elderly sisters who succumbed to extreme heat in Khokhrapar. Additionally, senior journalist Tanveer Baig passed away from heatstroke, leaving behind a legacy of 40 years in journalism.
