Mercury soared to 40.2 degrees Celsius on Monday under the influence of the dry continental winds that started blowing towards Karachi due to the formation of high pressure areas in Central Asia and Afghanistan, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

The Met Office said the weather would remain too hot and dry until Friday or Saturday. PMD has forecast a week-long heat wave in Karachi from Monday, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 42 degrees Celsius.

“Due to the high pressure area that is forming in Central Asia, the dry continental air has resulted in an increase in temperature in Karachi but due to the extremely low humidity, the temperature does not feel as high as compared to the high humidity weather,” said Sardar Sarfraz, PMD Chief Meteorological Officer at PMD. Sindh.

The official said they expected temperatures to be between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius on Tuesday (today) in Karachi. He added that mercury can rise to 42 degrees Celsius from Wednesday to Friday, adding that even Saturday would be a tough day for Karachi people.

Sardar Sarfraz said October is usually a hot month in Karachi as sea breezes remain cut off due to the transition from summer to winter.

Be alert at the hospital

At the direction of Karachi Administrator Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, all Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) hospitals and 1122 rescue services were alerted after the heat wave forecast by the offices met.

All officials and related staff have been asked to remain on duty at all times. According to a press statement released by the KMC, focal people from all hospitals have been directed to make very easy arrangements after the heat wave warning.

KMC has published details of the heat stroke centers set up at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Sobhraj Maternity Hospital, Gizri Maternity Hospital, Landhi Medical Complex, Sarfaraz Rafeeqi Shaheed Hospital, Lyari Primary Health Care Center, Gizarabad General Hospital, Manghopir Leprosy Hospital , Nazimabad Homeopathic Hospital, Shah Faisal Heart Center, Landhi Heart Center, Karachi Kidney Disease Institute and Karachi Health Heart Disease Institute.

Meanwhile, the medical and health services department issued advice to the public and asked them to take precautions. Residents are asked to drink water and ORS to avoid dehydration. People have been asked to avoid unnecessary going out and wear hats and use umbrellas when working or going out. He called on diabetes and blood pressure patients to adopt special precautions. The advisor asked residents to approach the nearest heat stroke center in case of an emergency.

‘Energy Conservation’

K-Electric urges its consumers to practice energy conservation. With temperatures expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius, KE urges its customers to take all necessary precautions between 11.00 and 16.00 – peak heat hours.

“As the weather is expected to be very hot and dry from October 11 to October 13, KE asks customers to be more careful during the hottest hours by staying hydrated, wearing breathable fabrics and ensuring that the head is covered and protected from direct attacks. heat and sunshine. “

According to a press statement from the power company, as demand for electricity is likely to increase due to heat, the power company is liaising with its fuel supplier to ensure a consistent supply essential for an optimized power supply.

“At the same time, power companies are appealing to their customers to consume electricity carefully and practice energy conservation. The power company has ensured that its rapid response team remains alert during this time to ensure the quickest possible recovery of any faults, while also delaying shutting down non-vital maintenance during this time. “