Karachi sizzles as feels-like temperature reaches 49°C

KARACHI: The mercury in Karachi stood at 37°C as of 1pm on Wednesday, with the feels-like temperature at 49°C due to humidity as a heatwave continues to grip parts of the country. According to data shared by the Met Office, relative humidity was recorded at 56 per cent at 1pm, with southwest winds blowing at 26 kilometres per hour. The city also witnessed hot and humid weather, with a feels-like temperature of 48°C a day earlier as a severe heatwave persisted across the country. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had issued a heatwave warning for various parts of the country last week. The heatwave is expected to persist till June 12. The PMD said temperatures were expected to rise by up to seven degrees Celsius above normal during the heatwave period under the influence of a high-pressure system. The Met Office said maximum temperatures in Karachi were likely to remain between 40°C and 43°C from June 8 to June 12, and warned that night-time temperatures were also likely to rise during this period. The department advised that children, women and senior citizens should exercise extra caution during the heatwave. Far­m­e­­rs have been advised to plan crop-related activities in line with prevailing weather conditions and take care of their livestock. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm and to remain adequately hydrated.