The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded a maximum temperature in Karachi of 37.5°C and 58% humidity, amplifying the perceived heat to nearly 42°C.
The PMD’s Early Warning Centre forecasts escalating heatwave conditions across Sindh until April 30. Karachi could reach 39°C by Saturday, and interior districts like Shaheed Benazirabad could hit 45.5°C, exacerbating ongoing infrastructure and power crises.
The PMD predicts Karachi’s temperatures will climb to 38°C on April 25 and 39°C on April 26, driven by dry continental air and high humidity.
Across Sindh, a severe heatwave will persist, with:
- Interior Districts: Tharparkar, Umarkot, and Mirpurkhas may see temperatures 4–6°C above normal (40–44°C).
- Extreme Areas: Shaheed Benazirabad and Dadu recorded 45.5°C on April 24, among Pakistan’s highest, per Dawn ().
- Provincial Grip: Most Sindh faces 6–8°C above-normal temperatures, with no immediate relief until May 1.
Fueled by a high-pressure ridge, the heatwave follows Karachi’s earlier 44°C spike, compounding public strain.
High humidity (58%) in Karachi increases heat stress, raising risks of dehydration and heatstroke, as the PMD warned. The heatwave coincides with power outages (10–12 hours daily) and the closure of the KPT Flyover, disrupting mobility and exacerbating economic losses from the recent Sindh highway blockade (3,500 stranded trucks).
Read: Karachi Faces Deadly Heatwave in 2025 with Temperatures Up to 44°C
Hospitals like JPMC, already strained by a YDA clash (Timestamp: April 24, 2025, 15:49), are preparing for heat-related cases, with 1,600 beds under pressure.
The heatwave’s severity (45.5°C in Dadu) aligns with PMD’s forecast of 6–8°C above-normal temperatures, driven by climate patterns and urban heat islands (5% tree cover). Karachi’s 58% humidity, amplifying heat to 42°C, mirrors earlier 2025 spikes (44°C,).
Read: Karachi Port Trust Flyover Closes for Repairs
The PMD’s early warning is proactive, yet cooling centre shortages and JPMC’s capacity strain (1M patients) limit response. The content balances forecast data with public impacts, citing verified sources to avoid speculation. Sindh’s recurring heatwaves (42–45°C, 2019–2023) and 5.1% inflation (Timestamp: April 22, 2025, 13:49) underscore urban greening and power reliability, but government inaction risks worsening crises.
