Karachi experienced its hottest day since 2018 on Monday as temperatures soared past 44°C, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The extreme heat has raised concerns about public health and daily life disruptions in the coastal city. Authorities say the ongoing heatwave is likely to persist in the coming days.
The PMD reported that the temperature at the Old Airport Weather Station reached 44.1°C, marking one of the highest readings in recent years. Officials noted that Karachi last recorded such extreme heat in May 2018 when temperatures hit 46°C. The highest-ever temperature in May for the city dates back to 1938, when it reached 48°C.
Read more: Karachi braces for heatwave as temperature may hit 42°C
Meteorologists said the current heatwave is being driven by a strong high-pressure system over the region. This system has weakened sea breezes and intensified dry, hot conditions across both coastal and inland areas. As a result, temperatures have remained significantly above seasonal averages.
Recorded Temp & Forecast of Major Cities.
Monday 04 May, 2026 (1400 PST)#PakistanWeather #WeatherUpdate #TemperatureReport #IslamabadWeather #LahoreWeather #KarachiWeather #HyderabadWeather #MultanWeather #PeshawarWeather #QuettaWeather #GilgitWeather #FaisalabadWeather pic.twitter.com/MrJMbLGtF0— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) May 4, 2026
The weather department had already issued a heatwave alert for Karachi and other districts in Sindh, warning that temperatures could exceed 41°C. On Sunday, the city also experienced severe heat conditions with a “feels-like” temperature reaching 45°C due to high humidity levels.
Read more: Karachi heatwave intensifies as temperature rises sharply to 38.5°C
Authorities have advised residents, especially children, the elderly, and outdoor workers, to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours and stay hydrated. The PMD said the hot and dry spell is expected to continue, urging precautionary measures to reduce health risks.