KARACHI:
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday warned that a heatwave was likely to grip large parts of the country during the upcoming Eidul Azha holidays, with temperatures expected to rise significantly above normal in several regions.
According to the Met Office, a high-pressure system was expected to form in the atmosphere on May 25 and could intensify further by May 26. Under the influence of this system, moderate to severe heatwave conditions were expected to develop across the country from May 25 to May 31.
According to the PMD advisory, Sindh was expected to experience the highest temperatures, with mercury levels likely to rise up to 47°C to 50°C. Karachi was also likely to experience hot weather conditions, with temperatures expected to remain between 35°C and 38°C during the period.
Meanwhile, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tharparkar, Badin, Sujawal, Thatta, Hyderabad, Matiari, Tando Mohammad Khan, Umerkot, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Mirpurkhas, Jamshoro, Panjgur, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Jhang and Sahiwal may experience maximum temperatures ranging from 47°C to 50°C.
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“In Punjab and central regions, temperatures may range between 42°C and 45°C, while northern areas are expected to record temperatures between 38°C and 40°C, while in Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Kohat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Kasur, Faisalabad, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber, maximum temperatures are expected to remain 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal, reaching between 42°C and 45°C,” it said.
PMD said that in the districts of Malakand and Hazara divisions, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan, temperatures were likely to exceed 38°C to 40°C, warning that night-time temperatures were also expected to remain higher than normal during the heatwave period.
The Met Office added that the heatwave could have adverse effects on public health, particularly for children, women and senior citizens, and advised citizens to adopt precautionary measures.
The advisory further urged people to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 10am and 4pm, and advised outdoor workers to remain cautious according to weather conditions.
