KARACHI: The heatwave gripping most parts of the province for almost a week continued on Thursday with maximum temperature surging to 49 degrees Celsius.

The Met department’s data showed that Shaheed Benazirabad (Nawabshah) became the hottest place in the country with temperature soaring to 49°C — 8.4°C high temperature from the city’s average temperature in previous Aprils — from 47°C recorded a day earlier.

The maximum temperature recorded in rest of the province: Dadu 47°C, Mohenjo Daro and Paddidan 46.5°C, Larkana 46°C, Mithi and Sakrand 45°C, Tandojam and Chhor 44.5°C, Rohri 44°C, Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas 43.5°C, Sukkur 43°C, Jacobabad 42.5°C, Badin 40.5°C and Thatta 38.5°C.

The cities also saw a significant increase in their night temperature.

However, the ongoing heatwave is likely to reduce its intensity from Saturday (tomorrow).

“The prevailing heatwave conditions are likely to continue over most parts of the province till April 19. Under its influence, daytime temperature is likely to be 6-8°C above normal in Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur districts, while 4-6°C above normal in Badin, Tharparkar, Umerkot and Hyderabad districts,” says the Met department’s advisory.

Karachi’s weather, however, has remained somewhat better than other cities with maximum temperature ranging between 35°C and 38°C throughout the week.

The Met Office said occasionally windy conditions are likely to prevail in Karachi and Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin and Sujawal.

The department has advised the general public especially the elderly citizens, women and children to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep themselves hydrated.

“Farmers are advised to manage their crop activities keeping in view of their weather conditions and take care of their livestock as well. Wind/dust-storm may damage loose structures,” the advisory says.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2025