The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heatwave warning for the plain areas of the country, forecasting significantly higher temperatures for Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
According to the PMD’s weather forecast, heatwave conditions are expected to prevail across most plain regions, with temperatures likely to soar 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal.
The PMD cautioned that on May 22, temperatures in Sindh and Punjab are anticipated to be 4 to 6°C above the seasonal average. This trend is expected to intensify, with temperatures potentially rising 6 to 8°C above normal from May 23 to May 27. Similarly, in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan, daytime temperatures are forecasted to remain 4 to 6°C higher than usual from May 22 to May 27.
The synoptic situation, as described by the PMD, indicates that continental air is currently prevailing over most parts of the country. Additionally, a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere is contributing to the persistent heatwave conditions and is expected to continue influencing the weather over the next few days.
On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the country experienced mainly hot and dry weather, with exceptionally high temperatures recorded in several regions. Southern and central parts of Pakistan, in particular, faced very hot conditions. However, isolated rain and thunderstorms did occur in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir.
Recorded rainfall for the past 24 hours included 8 mm in Garhi Dupatta, Kashmir, and 5 mm in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with Malamjabba receiving 2 mm.
The highest maximum temperatures recorded today were as follows:
• Mohenjo Daro: 49°C
• Sibbi and Jacobabad: 48°C
• Larkana, Kot Addu, Khairpur, and Dadu: 47°C
• Turbat, Rohri, Rahim Yar Khan, Noor Pur Thal, Okara, Shaheed Benazirabad, Lasbella, Kasur, and Bhakkar: 46°C
The PMD has advised residents in the affected areas to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. People are urged to stay hydrated, avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, and seek cooler environments whenever possible.
With temperatures expected to remain high throughout the coming week, authorities are also preparing for potential heat-related emergencies. Public health officials are emphasizing the importance of recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and are encouraging communities to check on vulnerable populations, including the older persons and children.
In summary, as the heatwave grips the plain areas of Pakistan, the PMD’s forecast serves as a crucial alert for citizens to take protective measures against the extreme temperatures expected in the coming days.