Karachi, the bustling metropolis, can breathe a sigh of relief. The city’s Chief Meteorologist, Sardar Sarfaraz, has dispelled fears of an impending heatwave.
A heatwave, as Sarfaraz explains, is a period when temperatures soar 4 to 5 degrees above the average, persisting at or beyond 41 degrees Celsius for four or more consecutive days. Karachi’s current weather patterns do not align with these parameters.
On the past Saturday, the mercury touched 40 degrees Celsius, only to retreat to 36 degrees the following day. The forecast for today predicts similar conditions, with temperatures hovering around 35 to 36 degrees Celsius.
Looking ahead, Sarfaraz anticipates the weather to remain consistent over the next ten days. Karachiites can expect temperatures to oscillate between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius, thanks to the sea breeze gracing the city. While the temperatures might be high, they do not signal a heatwave, assures Sarfaraz.
In contrast, the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts three heatwaves sweeping across various cities in the country over the next 25 days. The advisory attributes this to high atmospheric pressure, which will induce heatwave conditions in most regions, particularly Punjab and Sindh, from May 21. A severe heatwave is expected from May 23 to 27.
Daytime temperatures in Sindh and Punjab are predicted to remain 4 to 6 degrees centigrade above average from May 21 to 23, escalating to 6 to 8°C above average from May 23 to 27.
