ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of intense heatwave conditions across the country this week.
“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,” a PMD press release issued on Wednesday said.
The Met Office noted that daytime maximum temperatures may rise to 46-50°C in Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Nausheroferoze, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Sibbi, Turbat and Panjgur.
It also forecast temperatures 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; and 39-43°C in the upper regions as 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.
Hot weather is likely in Karachi during the forecast period and the maximum temperature is likely to remain between 35-38°C, according to the PMD statement.
However, the PMD noted that a shallow westerly wave is likely to affect the upper parts of the country on the evening of May 10 and is likely to persist until May 13.
“This system is likely to bring relief from the prevailing hot conditions in the upper parts of the country,” it said.
PMD advice on heatwave
The PMD has advised the general public, especially children, women and senior citizens, to be cautious, and avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight.
At least 10 people died across Karachi on Monday due to intense heat as the mercury surged to 44.1°C — the highest temperature recorded since 2018.
