Severe Heatwaves to Hit Pakistan in the Next 10 Days, Meteorological Department Warns

ISLAMABAD: The Meteorological Department has issued a warning about severe heatwaves expected to affect most parts of Pakistan over the next 10 days. The forecast, released on Thursday, also predicts dust storms, thunderstorms, and heavy rains in the northern regions of the country.

The advisory highlights that high pressure in the upper atmosphere will lead to heatwave conditions, particularly in Punjab and Sindh, starting from May 21. The heatwave is expected to intensify between May 23 and 27.

Temperature Outlook

Daytime temperatures in Sindh and Punjab are predicted to soar 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal from May 21 to 23, and rise further to 6 to 8 degrees Celsius above normal from May 23 to 27.

In Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan, temperatures are anticipated to be 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal from May 21 to 27.

The advisory urges authorities to remain vigilant and implement necessary measures to mitigate the effects of the heatwave.

Dr. Muhammad Afzaal, Director of Research and Development at the PMD in Islamabad, explained that a heatwave is defined as temperatures reaching 5 degrees Celsius above the normal limit for three or more days.

Rain and Thunderstorm Forecast

The Met Office also indicated that a shallow westerly wave is likely to impact the upper parts of the country on May 16, particularly during the evening and night.

This weather system is expected to bring dust storms, thunderstorms, and isolated rain to Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Sherani, Barkhan, Kalat, Khuzdar, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Kharan, and Mastung from May 16 to 19.

Similar weather conditions are anticipated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, affecting areas such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Waziristan, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, and Kurram from May 16 to 19.

In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, rain, wind, and thunderstorms are expected in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from May 16 to 19.

Punjab will also experience rain with dust storms and thunderstorms in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, and Mianwali from May 16 to 18.

In Sindh, similar weather patterns are expected in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, and Dadu on May 17 and 18.

Advisory for Farmers and Public

The Met Office has advised farmers to take precautions to protect their crops from potential damage. Additionally, the public is urged to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Extreme dry and heatwave conditions could potentially trigger bushfires or forest fires in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northeastern Balochistan.