Islamabad, October 17, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast predicting hot and dry weather across the country on Friday, October 18, 2024. Most regions will experience higher-than-usual temperatures, particularly in the plains, while a shallow westerly wave will bring some respite to the northern areas.
According to the PMD, continental air is currently dominating over most parts of Pakistan, contributing to the hot and dry conditions. The influence of a shallow westerly wave is expected to affect the upper parts of the country, which may result in isolated weather events in certain areas.
Synoptic Situation
The current weather pattern over Pakistan is largely dictated by dry continental air, which has been building up over the past few days. While this is expected to persist, the shallow westerly wave may provide some relief in northern regions like Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Kashmir, where isolated rain, wind, and thunderstorms are possible. However, the rest of the country will continue to face scorching and dry conditions, with minimal cloud cover and high temperatures.
Weather Forecast for October 18, 2024
For Friday, October 18, 2024, the PMD expects the entire country to remain under the influence of hot and dry weather. Southern regions, including Sindh and southern Punjab, are likely to see the highest temperatures, with highs reaching into the low 40s°C in some areas. Central and western parts of the country, including Balochistan, will also experience dry and warm conditions, while the northern areas will see only a slight dip in temperatures.
Weather on October 17, 2024
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, most of Pakistan saw primarily dry conditions. However, some areas in the northern regions, including Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Kashmir, may experience partly cloudy weather with the potential for isolated rain, wind, and thunderstorms. The southern parts, including Sindh and lower Punjab, remained significantly hotter.
Past 24 Hours Summary
In the last 24 hours, the weather remained predominantly hot and dry across Pakistan. The highest maximum temperatures recorded on Wednesday included Shaheed Benazirabad at 41°C, followed by Chhor and Sakrand at 40°C. In contrast, the northern areas remained relatively cooler, with Kalam recording 3 mm of rain.
With the country experiencing persistently hot weather, residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially in areas expected to hit peak temperatures on Friday.