Karachi Swelters as Mercury Soars to 38.7C Amid City's "Second Summer"

Karachi heatwave pushes mercury to 38.7C

Karachi is in the grip of a punishing Karachi heatwave this week. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 38.7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

Humidity stood at 43 per cent, which made the already hot conditions feel far worse. People stepping out during the afternoon found the air heavy and the sun unforgiving.

According to Dawn, a Met official said October is usually a warm month in Karachi. It is often referred to as the city's "second summer".

The official linked the recent rise in temperatures to a high-pressure area in the upper atmosphere. That system has weakened the winds, allowing heat to build up across the coastal city.

He warned that the mercury could touch 40 degrees Celsius if the current trend continues. That warning has put the city on alert for even harsher conditions in the coming days.

City traffic felt the burn too. Asphalt roads radiated heat long after sunset, and car cabins turned into ovens within minutes of parking. Drivers who left their vehicles in the open returned to steering wheels too hot to touch.

Hospitals in Karachi usually see a small rise in heat-related complaints during such spells. Doctors remind citizens that even mild symptoms deserve attention before they turn serious.

Sharp rise in a single day

The jump was sudden. Reports said the temperature rose by about 2.5 degrees compared with the previous day.

Around noon, thermometers had already crossed 38 degrees. Northwesterly winds from Balochistan also influenced the city's weather, pushing the heat further up.

By afternoon, outdoor workers and commuters were visibly struggling. Many took shelter under any shade they could find.

Weak sea breeze worsens the discomfort

Karachi normally depends on its sea breeze for relief. This time, the breeze barely showed up.

Daily Pakistan reported that a sharp decline in sea breeze intensity caused the temperature to climb. Winds remained extremely weak through most of the day.

The weak airflow meant the heat had nowhere to escape. Instead, it sat over the city like a heavy blanket.

Winds from the west and northwest are expected to blow across Karachi alongside the sea breeze. Most parts of Sindh are likely to experience hot and dry weather.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department's Early Warning Centre has forecast another hot day in Karachi on Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 38 degrees Celsius.

For a coastal city, the missing sea breeze matters a lot. Karachi's climate usually balances summer heat with moisture-rich winds off the Arabian Sea. When those winds stall, the city loses its natural cooling system.

Fishermen and port workers, who spend long hours near the shore, felt the change first. Even by the water, the air barely moved through the afternoon.

Why October feels like summer in Karachi

The Karachi heatwave is not a freak accident of nature. It follows a pattern that weather experts know well.

October is a transition month. The summer monsoon system retreats, but winter has not arrived. During this gap, high-pressure systems often settle over the region.

These systems suppress the sea breeze and cut down cloud formation. Clear skies let sunlight pour in without interruption.

That is why locals call October Karachi's second summer. The mornings may hint at cooler days ahead, but the afternoons still burn.

Met officials say the combination of high temperatures and humidity is what makes the month so taxing. The air feels sticky, and the heat clings to the skin.

What the records say

Other parts of Sindh are heating up too. Mithi recorded the highest temperature in the province on Tuesday at 41 degrees Celsius. Shaheed Benazirabad touched 40 degrees.

The Business Recorder reported that Karachi's reading was 2.2 degrees above normal for this time of year. Dadu recorded 39.5 degrees, about 3.5 degrees above normal.

Hyderabad and Tandojam each registered 38.5 degrees. Larkana, Padidan and Khairpur settled at 37.5 degrees each.

The heat is spread wide across the province. No single district is bearing it alone.

Weather watchers say these hot Octobers have grown more common in recent years. Concrete sprawl and shrinking green cover make the city hold onto heat longer.

Evenings that once brought relief now stay warm well into the night. That slower cool-down is why residents feel tired for days during such spells.

The Met Department expects the pattern to ease later in the month. Until then, the city will have to ride out the warmth.

How to stay safe during the heat

Health experts say the biggest risks during a Karachi heatwave are dehydration and heat exhaustion. These strike fastest during the peak afternoon hours.

Doctors advise residents to drink plenty of water through the day. Clean drinking water matters more than ever when the mercury climbs.

Outdoor workers should take regular breaks in the shade. A few minutes of rest can keep body temperature from rising to dangerous levels.

Light, loose-fitting clothes help the body stay cool. Light colours reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it.

Covering the head before stepping out is a simple but effective habit. A cap or a cloth can block direct sun from hitting the head and face.

Small habits that help

Avoid eating food bought from street vendors during extreme heat. High temperatures spoil food faster and raise the risk of foodborne illness.

Washing the face with cool water during the day brings quick relief. Keeping the skin clean and dry also prevents rashes caused by heavy sweating.

Elderly people, children and those with existing health conditions should stay indoors between noon and 4 pm. That is when the sun is at its strongest.

If someone feels dizzy, nauseated or unusually tired in the heat, they should move to a cool place at once. These can be early signs of heatstroke.

Residents are advised to keep an eye on Met Department updates. A few more days of this pattern could push the temperature to 40 degrees.

Schools and workplaces can help by shifting outdoor tasks to the early morning. A little planning goes a long way when the heat peaks at midday.

Pets and livestock need care as well. Animals left in the sun suffer heat stress just as people do. Clean water and shaded rest spots keep them safe through the hottest hours.

Frequently asked questions

What was the maximum temperature recorded in Karachi on Tuesday?

Karachi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Humidity was measured at 43 per cent, which made the heat feel more intense. The reading stood about 2.5 degrees higher than the previous day.

Why is Karachi so hot in October?

October is often called Karachi's second summer because temperatures stay high even as the summer season winds down. A high-pressure area in the upper atmosphere weakens the winds and the sea breeze, allowing heat to build up. Clear skies and strong sunlight make the afternoons especially harsh.

Could the temperature in Karachi reach 40C?

Yes, according to Met officials. An official warned that the mercury could touch 40 degrees Celsius if the current weather trend continues. The Early Warning Centre has already forecast another hot day with temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees.

Which parts of Sindh recorded the highest temperatures?

Mithi was the hottest location in Sindh on Tuesday, recording 41 degrees Celsius, followed by Shaheed Benazirabad at 40 degrees. Dadu registered 39.5 degrees, while Hyderabad and Tandojam settled at 38.5 degrees each. Larkana, Padidan and Khairpur all recorded 37.5 degrees each.

How can residents protect themselves during the Karachi heatwave?

Residents should drink plenty of clean water, wear light and loose clothing, and avoid going out during peak afternoon hours. Covering the head outdoors and taking regular breaks in the shade can prevent heat-related illness. Elderly people, children and outdoor workers should take extra care until the heat eases.