The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast severe heatwave conditions across the country’s central and southern parts from May 7 (today) until 11, attributing it to the presence of a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere.
In its advisory, the Met Office has said the heatwave would also extend to upper regions from May 8-10, with daytime temperatures expected to soar significantly above normal levels.
Temperatures in parts of Sindh and Balochistan, including Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Nausheroferoze, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Sibbi, Turbat, and Panjgur, are likely to range between 46°C and 50°C.
In southern and central Punjab, as well as southern districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa such as Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Rajanpur, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan, temperatures are expected to remain between 43°C and 47°C.
Upper regions, including Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kohat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, and Kasur, may experience temperatures ranging from 39°-43°C.
For Sindh capital Karachi, the PMD has forecast very hot conditions, with maximum temperatures ranging from 35°-38°C. It has urged the public, particularly children, women, and the elderly, to take precautionary measures during the heatwave. Citizens have further been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, stay hydrated, and use water judiciously, while farmers have been urged to plan their agricultural activities accordingly and ensure proper care of livestock.
According to the Met Office, a shallow westerly wave is expected to affect upper parts of the country from the evening or night of May 10 and may persist until May 13, potentially bringing some relief from the intense heat.