Karachi experienced an unusually intense spell of heat in September, with temperatures climbing to 40.7°C on Monday, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The temperature was recorded at the PMD’s Pehlwan Goth station and exceeded the previous September high of 40.5°C, recorded in 2017. The reading made Monday the hottest September day in Karachi in nine years.
The extreme heat was attributed to changes in wind patterns and weaker sea breezes. A low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea also contributed to the rise in temperatures. High humidity made the heat feel even more intense across the city.
Several parts of Karachi recorded temperatures above the citywide reading. Jinnah Terminal reached 41.2°C, while Gulistan-e-Jauhar recorded 41°C. Temperatures at Shahrah-e-Faisal and Maripur stood at 39.5°C and 39°C respectively.
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According to the PMD’s latest observations, Karachi recorded 36°C around 11am on September 22, while Monday’s maximum temperature was recorded at 40.7°C. The weather department has forecast another hot day, with temperatures expected to reach around 38°C before the heat starts to ease.
Despite the latest rise, Karachi’s highest ever September temperature remains 43°C, which was recorded on September 30, 1951.
The Met Office expects the intensity of the heat to decrease from Wednesday, with temperatures likely to fall towards the mid-30s. Residents, especially children, older people and those working outdoors, have been advised to drink plenty of water and avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.