PMD Issues Nationwide Heatwave Alert, Mercury May Hit 51°C
News Desk
Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a nationwide heatwave alert, warning that temperatures across several regions of the country are expected to remain significantly above normal from June 7 to June 12, with some districts likely to experience temperatures as high as 51 degrees Celsius.
According to the PMD, temperatures in many parts of the country are expected to remain 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal during the forecast period.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, maximum temperatures are likely to range between 41°C and 46°C in districts including Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, and Dera Ismail Khan from June 8 to 11.
The heatwave is also expected to affect northern areas, with temperatures in Chitral, Dir, Swat, and parts of Gilgit-Baltistan forecast to reach 37°C to 40°C between June 8 and 10.
The PMD said temperatures in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad are expected to remain between 41°C and 44°C during the same period.
In Punjab, the intensity of the heatwave is likely to be particularly severe across the plains. Temperatures are expected to range from 44°C to 48°C in Lahore, Okara, Kasur, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah, and Kot Addu from June 8 to 11.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/how-hot-will-it-really-feel-across-karachi-today/
The worst-hit areas are expected to be in Sindh and Balochistan, where temperatures may soar to 48°C to 51°C between June 7 and 12. The affected districts include Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Sibi, Turbat, and Panjgur.
Karachi is also expected to experience unusually hot weather, with maximum temperatures forecast between 40°C and 43°C from June 8 to 12.
The Meteorological Department warned that nighttime temperatures are also likely to remain higher than normal, providing little relief from the intense heat. Dusty winds and dust storms may occur in parts of southern Punjab and Sindh as a result of the prevailing weather conditions.
Authorities have advised the public to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, particularly between 10am and 4pm, stay hydrated, and take precautionary measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Farmers have been urged to plan agricultural activities according to the weather conditions and take necessary steps to protect livestock from heat stress.
The PMD noted that electricity demand is also expected to increase significantly during the heatwave.
Meanwhile, the department’s seasonal outlook for June to August forecasts below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across most parts of Pakistan. The northeastern regions of Punjab are expected to witness the largest decline in rainfall during the period.
According to the assessment, most areas of Punjab, Sindh, southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan are likely to receive normal to below-normal rainfall, while temperatures across the country are expected to remain above seasonal averages.
The report further stated that the highest temperature increases are likely to occur in northeastern Pakistan, particularly in eastern Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and areas adjoining northern Punjab.
