ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted that the upcoming weeks will experience heatwave conditions across southern Punjab and Sindh plain regions because the March–April–May (MAM) season will experience warmer temperatures than usual.
PMD reports mean temperatures are expected to remain above normal across most parts of the country. The northern regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, will experience their strongest warming trends because temperatures will depart from normal ranges.
The PMD forecasts seasonal rainfall amounts between normal levels and slightly higher than normal levels. The most noticeable positive anomaly is expected over central to western parts, especially southern KP, along with adjoining areas of central Punjab and northern Balochistan, which PMD links to relatively stronger spring activity from westerly disturbances.
The regions of Sindh and central-to-southern Balochistan, northern KP, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan will experience rainfall amounts that match normal seasonal patterns.
The PMD issued a list of actual effects that will occur in the upcoming weeks through its announcement. Dust storms, strong winds, and hailstorms will develop because temperature gradients start developing during springtime.
Major cities like Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Lahore will experience early pollen peaks because post-mid-March rainfall will extend the pollen season, which impacts allergy sufferers.
Warmer weather conditions will lead to increased pest and disease development, which affects Rabi crops in the plains, thus requiring urgent field inspections.
The PMD warned that Gilgit-Baltistan and upper KP temperatures above normal will cause snowmelt acceleration, which raises glacier hazard risks.
