KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted severe heatwave conditions across the central and southern regions of the country from May 7 to May 11. The extreme weather is expected due to a strong high-pressure system developing in the upper atmosphere.
The Met Office further stated that the heatwave will also spread to the upper parts of the country between May 8 and May 10, with daytime temperatures likely to rise well above seasonal averages.
In Sindh and Balochistan, including Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Nausheroferoze, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Sibbi, Turbat, and Panjgur, temperatures are expected to remain extremely high, ranging between 46°C and 50°C.
Similarly, in southern and central Punjab along with southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—such as 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—temperatures are likely to stay between 43°C and 47°C.
In upper regions 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 mercury may fluctuate between 39°C and 43°C.
Karachi is also expected to experience very hot conditions during this period, with maximum temperatures likely to range between 35°C and 38°C.
The Met Department has additionally forecast that a shallow westerly wave will approach the upper parts of the country from the evening or night of May 10, persisting until May 13, which may bring some relief from the intense heat.
Authorities have urged citizens to take precautionary measures during the heatwave, especially children, women, and elderly individuals, as they are more vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
The public has been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, maintain proper hydration, and use water responsibly amid the heatwave conditions.
Farmers have also been instructed to adjust their agricultural schedules accordingly and ensure proper care and safety of livestock during the hot spell.
All concerned departments have been directed to remain alert and take necessary preventive measures to avoid any untoward situations during the period of extreme weather.