The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday issued a heatwave alert, warning of a significant rise in temperatures in parts of the country from April 29-May 3.
In its advisory, the Met Office has said El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions remain neutral, with most plain areas of the country likely to experience extreme heat. Additionally, it says, there is a 61% likelihood of El Nino conditions emerging during the May-July period, potentially influencing regional weather patterns.
The parts of the country most likely to experience heatwave-like conditions are south Punjab, upper Sindh, and Balochistan, with mercury levels may rising four to six degrees Celsius above normal. In plains areas, this could translate to temperatures of 43-45 degrees Celsius.
The advisory warns the public against unnecessary exposure to the sun, particularly during peak hours.
Additionally, the upper parts of the country are expected to experience relatively cooler conditions due to the influence of westerly weather systems. These systems are likely to impact the region from the night of April 27-29, and again from May 3-5, bringing a temperature drop of 2-4 degrees Celsius. Post May 1, however, the Met Office says the heat intensity is likely to rise again, with intermittent heatwave conditions expected to persist.
Separately, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Punjab issued its own heatwave alert, warning of a sharp rise in temperatures in the coming weeks, with southern districts likely to face extreme conditions reaching up to 52 degrees Celsius. It emphasized that May and June are likely to be the hottest months of the year, with temperatures across much of Punjab forecast to range between 43-45°C under normal conditions, and significantly higher during heatwave spells.
The advisory has directed all relevant government departments and district administrations to remain on high alert, instructing them to ensure round-the-clock staffing at District Emergency Operation Centers, strengthen coordination mechanisms, and maintain readiness for emergency response.