The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday issued a new heatwave alert for April 13 to 18, forecasting higher temperatures nationwide, particularly in Sindh, Balochistan and south Punjab.
In its advisory, the PMD said a high pressure front will enter the upper atmosphere from April 13, triggering higher temperatures in most parts of the country, with the intensity to be more severe in the country’s south from April 14.
According to the PMD, daytime temperatures next week will likely be 6-8 degrees Celsius higher than normal in Sindh, south Punjab and Balochistan, while they will be 4-6 degrees Celsius above normal in central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. “Nights will also be warmer during the forecast period. Excessive heating/rising temperatures may generate duststorms/windstorms during the forecast period,” it said. Rising temperatures in the northern areas may enhance snowmelt rate from April 14 to 18, it added.
The weather body has urged the general public, especially children, women and the elderly, to take precautionary measures during this heatwave, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during daytime and remaining hydrated. It has also advised farmers to manage their crop activities and livestock keeping in view the weather conditions.
The PMD advisory has advised government departments to stay alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation due to these weather conditions. It has further noted that below-average rainfall since September 2024 had left an acute water shortage in the Tarbela and Mangla dams, adding water in different rivers is flowing at extreme low level, further raising drought concerns.
Earlier this year, the PMD warned of a looming drought this summer, stressing that if the dry conditions persist, many parts of the country will only have sufficient water for drinking purposes.