Heatwave likely across Pakistan, including Karachi, during Eid holidays

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that moderate to severe heatwave conditions are expected in most parts of the country during the Eid ul Adha holidays from May 25 to May 31 due to the formation of a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere.

According to the Met Office, the weather system is likely to develop on May 25 and intensify further from May 26, leading to a marked rise in temperatures in several regions.

The PMD said maximum temperatures are expected to stay 5°C to 7°C above normal in a wide belt covering Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Kohat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Kasur and Faisalabad, as well as Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. In these areas, temperatures may range between 42°C and 45°C.

In Malakand, Hazara Division, Gilgit-Baltistan, Bagh, Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, Haveli and Sudhanoti, temperatures are also likely to remain 5°C to 7°C above normal, with the mercury expected to reach 38°C to 40°C.

The Met Office said some of the highest temperatures are forecast in parts of Sindh, Balochistan, southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and south and central Punjab. It said temperatures may climb to between 47°C and 50°C in Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tharparkar, Badin, Sujawal, Thatta, Hyderabad, Matiyari, Tando Muhammad Khan, Umerkot, Ghotki, Khairpur, Nausheroferoze, Mirpur Khas, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Sibbi, Turbat, Panjgur, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Joharabad, Khushab, Mianwali, Noor Pur Thal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Sahiwal.

Karachi forecast and night temperatures

Karachi is also expected to face very hot weather during the forecast period, with daytime temperatures likely to remain between 35°C and 38°C, according to the PMD.

The department added that night temperatures are also likely to increase during the same period.

Public advisory

The Met Office advised the public, especially children, women and elderly people, to take precautionary steps during the heatwave. It urged people to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm and to keep themselves hydrated.

Farmers have been asked to plan crop-related activities in line with the weather conditions and to ensure proper care of livestock.

The PMD also said electricity demand and consumption are likely to rise during the heatwave and appealed to the public to use water carefully in all aspects of daily life.

In its advisory, the Met Office called on relevant institutions to stay alert during the period.

The department said:

“All concerned authorities are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period,”