Karachi sizzles as September heat breaks nine-year record

KARACHI: Karachi experienced its hottest September day in nine years on Monday, with temperatures climbing to 40.7°C as intense heat combined with high humidity made conditions feel even hotter across the city.

The temperature recorded at the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) Pehlwan Goth station exceeded the previous September high of 40.5°C recorded in 2017.

However, Karachi’s highest-ever September temperature remains 43°C, recorded on September 30, 1951.

PMD spokesperson Anjum Nazir Zaigham said temperatures had been gradually rising over the past few days following relatively moderate weather at the start of the month.

He attributed the recent heat spell to a circulation over the Arabian Sea that affected wind patterns, along with weak southwesterly sea breezes.

Temperatures varied across Karachi, with Jinnah Terminal recording 41.2°C, Gulistan-e-Jauhar 41°C, Shahrah-e-Faisal 39.5°C and Maripur 39°C. The lowest maximum temperature, 34.5°C, was recorded at the Bin Qasim weather station.

The PMD has forecast a maximum temperature of around 38°C for Tuesday, while the intensity of the heat is expected to ease from Wednesday, with temperatures likely to drop to around 35°C.

The Early Warning Centre said hot and humid conditions would persist on Tuesday and Wednesday, with humidity potentially reaching 55%, making the weather feel several degrees warmer.

Other parts of Sindh also experienced intense heat, with temperatures reaching 42°C in Shaheed Benazirabad, Khairpur and Hyderabad, while Chhor recorded a maximum of 41.5°C.