The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast predicting temperatures between 42–44°C, which could escalate to a feels-like temperature of 48–50°C due to elevated humidity levels. Karachi is experiencing a severe heatwave, expected to persist from April 19 through April 23, 2025.
Climate specialist Mujtaba Baig highlights Karachi’s “urban heat island” effect, where concrete absorbs heat and sparse tree cover (5% of the city) exacerbates conditions. A worsening water crisis and dysfunctional public transport, with overcrowded, poorly ventilated vehicles, heighten dehydration risks, especially for daily wage labourers, the elderly, and children.
Dr. Aftab Hussain advises staying indoors from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., drinking water, eating light meals, and avoiding sugary drinks or stale food, which can harbour bacteria during power outages, risking diseases like cholera.
Read: Punjab Faces Intense Heatwave with No Rainfall Forecast
Dr. Pir Ghulam Nabi Shah Jilani, Deputy Director of Health Services, told The Express Tribune that hospitals have been instructed to maintain 24/7 staff, heat stroke centres, and ambulance services. However, Baig calls these measures temporary and urges long-term solutions like tree planting, a reliable water supply, and improved transport.
Past heatwaves (2019–2023) saw temperatures of 42–45°C, with official death tolls of 30–60 but private reports citing up to 220 deaths, highlighting underreporting and inadequate response.
