Karachi bakes as feels-like temperature hits 51°C

Heat illnesses rise 15% amid high temperatures, oppressive humidity

By noon on Thursday, Karachi's streets had begun to empty. Delivery riders sought refuge under flyovers, labourers paused work in whatever shade they could find,. commuters wiped away sweat as the city baked under a relentless blanket of heat and humidity.

With the mercury climbing to 40 degrees Celsius. the heat index touching a scorching 51°C, the city endured one of its most oppressive days of the summer, while hospitals reported a significant rise in heat-related illnesses.

Health experts say cases of heat exhaustion, dehydration, low immunity, joint pain, stomach ailments. skin diseases have increased by 10 to 15 per cent in recent days as large parts of Sindh remain under the influence of a severe heat wave.

According to the PMD, a high-pressure system that developed over the region on June 8 intensified temperatures across Sindh, while unusually weak sea breezes. rising humidity levels worsened conditions in Karachi. Although the city's maximum temperature was recorded at 40°C. humidity levels of around 50 per cent pushed the feels-like temperature, or heat index, to 51°C, creating suffocating conditions across the metropolis.

The impact of the heat wave was even more pronounced in interior Sindh. where Shaheed Benazirabad recorded a blistering 51°C - matching a temperature last recorded in the district on June 8, 2011. Meteorologists described it as a rare recurrence of an extreme weather event after nearly a decade and a half.

Medical professionals have warned that prolonged exposure to such conditions can trigger serious health complications. particularly among people who spend long hours outdoors.

Speaking to local media, JPMC Emergency In-charge Dr Irfan Siddiqi said heat stroke cases are steadily increasing in Karachi. other hot regions due to soaring temperatures and direct exposure to sunlight.

"Outdoor workers, especially delivery riders, construction labourers, traffic personnel. daily-wage workers, are among the most vulnerable groups during the ongoing heat wave," he said.

Dr Siddiqi advised citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities between 10am and 4pm, when solar radiation is at its strongest.

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see ourComments FAQ