The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday warned that moderate to severe heatwave conditions are likely to grip a majority of the country during Eidul Azha next week from May 25-31 due to the development of a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere.
In a statement, the Met Office said the high pressure system would likely develop on May 25 and strengthen further from May 26, causing temperatures to rise significantly across various regions.
It warned that maximum temperatures would likely be 5-7℃ higher than normal and may rise to 42-45℃ in districts such as Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Kohat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Kasur and Faisalabad, as well as Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber.
In Malakand, Hazara Division, Gilgit-Baltistan, Bagh, Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, Haveli and Sudhanoti, temperatures are also expected to remain 5-7℃ above normal, reaching 38-40℃.
Additionally, temperatures may reach 47-50℃ in Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tharparkar, Badin, Sujawal, Thatta, Hyderabad, Matiyari, Tando Muhammad Khan, Umerkot, Ghotki, Khairpur, Nausheroferoze, Mirpur Khas, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Sibbi, Turbat, Panjgur, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Joharabad, Khushab, Mianwali, Noor Pur Thal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Sahiwal.
In Karachi, said the Met Office, maximum temperatures would likely remain between 35-38℃.
According to the Met Office, the raised temperatures would likely persist at night during this period. It advised the general public, particularly children, women and the elderly, to take precautionary measures during the heatwave. It has advised avoiding unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and to remain hydrated.
Farmers have also been advised to manage crop activities according to weather conditions and ensure proper care of livestock.
Further, the PMD warned that the rising temperatures would boost electricity demand and consumption and urged judicious use of water in all aspects of life. “All concerned authorities are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period,” it said.