The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday warned of a looming heatwave in most parts of Pakistan from May 15 (Thursday) through May 20 (Tuesday).
In an advisory, the weather forecasting organization said the “first” heatwave of May would likely span 3-4 days. It predicted a high pressure wave to grip most parts of the country on May 15, adding that this meteorological condition would likely boost day temperatures 4-6°C above normal in the southern half of the country—Sindh, southern Punjab and Balochistan—from May 15.
Meanwhile, it said, day temperatures are likely to remain 5-7°C above normal in upper half of the country—central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan—from May 15-19.
A westerly weather system is expected to enter the upper parts of the country on the evening of May 19, triggering rain-wind/thunderstorm (isolated heavy falls/hailstorm) in Kashmir, Islamabad, Pothohar region including northeast Punjab, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The PMD has advised the general public, especially children, women and the elderly, to take precautionary measures amidst the heatwave conditions. During this time, it said, the public should avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the daytime and remain hydrated.
Further, the PMD has advised farmers to manage their crop activities keeping in view the weather conditions and take care of their livestock as well. “Rising temperatures in northern areas may enhance snowmelt rate during the forecast period,” it warned, and advised the “judicious use of water” in all fields of life during this time.