Heatwave likely across Pakistan from May 7 to 11, says PMD

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heatwave conditions in several parts of the country during the current week, with southern and central areas expected to come under the spell from May 7 to 11 and upper regions from May 8 to 10.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the PMD said, "Due to the presence of high pressure in the upper atmosphere, heatwave conditions are likely to develop over southern and central parts of the country from May 7-11 [and] in upper parts from May 8-10."

According to the department, daytime maximum temperatures may climb to 46-50°C in Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Nausheroferoze, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Sibbi, Turbat and Panjgur.

The PMD said temperatures are likely to remain between 43-47°C in 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.

For upper parts of the country, 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, the Met Office forecast maximum temperatures in the range of 39-43°C.

The department also said Karachi is expected to experience very hot weather during the forecast period, with the maximum temperature likely to stay between 35-38°C.

Relief expected in upper areas after May 10

The PMD said a shallow westerly wave is likely to affect upper parts of the country from the evening of May 10 and may continue until May 13.

Referring to that system, the department said, "This system is likely to bring relief from the prevailing hot conditions in the upper parts of the country."

Public and farmers advised to take precautions

The Met Office urged the public, particularly children, women and senior citizens, to remain careful during the heatwave period. It advised people to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and to keep themselves hydrated.

It also asked farmers to plan crop-related activities accordingly and to ensure proper care of livestock in view of the expected weather conditions.

Recent heat-related deaths in Karachi

The latest forecast comes after at least 10 people died across Karachi on Monday amid intense heat, according to officials. The temperature in the city rose to 44.1°C, which was reported as the highest reading recorded since 2018, while gusts of continental winds continued through the day.

On the same day, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued emergency protocols on a broad scale and placed hospitals on alert as above-normal summer temperatures posed risks to millions of people across the country.