In a pivotal alert issued on Tuesday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has signaled a significant rise in temperatures sweeping across much of Pakistan.
The impending heatwave, driven by an upper atmospheric high-pressure system, promises to cast a sweltering blanket especially over the southern regions of the nation.
As the mercury climbs, the Pakistan Met Office forecasts day temperatures to exceed normal ranges by 3 to 5°C from the 8th to the 10th of May, portending a challenging period ahead for residents and officials alike. This heat escalation coincides with a westerly wave anticipated to traverse the western parts of the country by the evening of May 10th, intensifying in the upper regions by the following day.
Regional Weather Forecasts:
• Balochistan is set to experience temperatures 3 to 5°C above normal, with potential rain-dust storms and thunderstorms in cities including Quetta, Zhob, and Mastung among others, particularly by the nights of the 10th and 11th of May. Areas such as Kharan, Chagi, and Panjgur may also witness dust and thunderstorm activity.
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could see a 2 to 3°C increase in day temperatures. The forecast predicts rain-dust storms and thunderstorms across a swath of districts from Chitral to Kurram, primarily from the night of the 10th to the morning of the 12th of May, with possible isolated hailstorms.
• Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir will not be spared, expecting a similar rise in temperatures and likely rain-wind/thunderstorms across several districts on the 11th and 12th of May.
• Punjab and Islamabad anticipate a significant temperature hike with forecasted rain-dust storms and thunderstorms across numerous areas including Lahore, Faisalabad, and the capital city itself, most likely from the night of the 10th to the 12th of May. The eastern parts of Punjab might also experience similar weather patterns earlier on the 10th and 11th of May.
• Sindh is bracing for elevated temperatures as well, with dust-thunderstorms/rain predicted in areas like Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana on the night of the 10th and 11th of May.
Advisories and Impacts:
Given the searing forecasts, the Pakistan Met Office has issued advisories urging the general public to minimize direct sun exposure and for farmers to adjust crop watering and wheat harvesting schedules accordingly. The anticipated windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning are likely to disrupt daily activities, damage standing crops, and affect structures such as electric poles and solar panels.
Residents are cautioned to prepare for the soaring temperatures which are expected to relent somewhat during the rainy days predicted later in the week. The evolving climate conditions signal a need for readiness and resilience amidst a challenging environmental scenario unfolding across Pakistan.
