KARACHI: Karachi experienced its hottest September day in nine years on Monday, with the mercury rising to 40.7°C amid hot and humid weather across the city.
The maximum temperature was recorded at the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) Pehlwan Goth station, surpassing the previous September high of 40.5°C recorded in 2017.
However, the city’s highest-ever September temperature remains 43°C, recorded on September 30, 1951.
Several areas of Karachi experienced temperatures above 40°C. Jinnah Terminal recorded 41.2°C, while the mercury reached 41°C in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Sharae Faisal recorded 39.5°C and Maripur 39°C, whereas Bin Qasim remained relatively cooler at 34.5°C.
PMD spokesperson Anjum Nazir Zaigham said temperatures had been steadily increasing over the past few days following comparatively pleasant weather earlier this month.
He attributed the unusual heat to an atmospheric circulation over the Arabian Sea that affected the normal wind pattern and weakened the southwesterly sea breeze.
According to the Met Office, Karachi’s maximum temperature is expected to remain around 38°C on Tuesday, with some relief likely from Wednesday when temperatures could drop to nearly 35°C.
Hot and humid conditions are forecast to continue through Tuesday and Wednesday. Humidity could reach 55%, making temperatures feel several degrees higher than the actual readings.
The weather department expects sea breezes to persist along with winds blowing from the west.
The heatwave-like conditions are not confined to Karachi, with several other parts of Sindh also recording high temperatures. Shaheed Benazirabad, Khairpur and Hyderabad reached 42°C on Monday.
