ISLAMABAD, May 25, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heatwave warning for most of the country’s plain areas, expected to prevail on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
The forecast predicts extreme temperatures accompanied by dust-raising and gusty winds during the afternoon hours.
The PMD has highlighted that continental air is currently prevailing over most parts of the country, contributing to the sweltering conditions. A high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere is expected to persist over the next two to three days, exacerbating the heatwave. A shallow westerly wave is also present over the northern parts of Pakistan, bringing some variability to the weather.
In addition to the heatwave forecast, the PMD noted that partly cloudy weather with potential rain-wind/thunderstorms might occur at isolated locations in Gilgit-Baltistan on May 26. These conditions provide some respite from the intense heat expected in the plains.
Saturday, May 25, 2024, has also been marked by dust-raising and gusty winds across most plain areas. However, regions in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan might experience partly cloudy skies with rain-wind/thunderstorm activity.
In the past 24 hours, Pakistan experienced very hot weather in most regions. Nevertheless, isolated rain-windstorms and thunderstorms were recorded in Kashmir, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and north Punjab. The recorded rainfall amounts included Kotli in Kashmir with 5 mm, Pattan in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa with 4 mm, and Sialkot in Punjab with up to 3 mm in certain areas.
On May 24, 2024, temperatures soared, with Dadu and Mohenjo Daro reaching a blistering 50°C. Other significant temperature recordings included Jacobabad at 49°C, Shaheed Benazirabad, Padidan, Sibbi, Larkana, Rohri, Sukkur, and Turbat at 48°C, and Bahawalpur, Khairpur, and Sakrand at 47°C. These extreme temperatures are indicative of the severe heatwave gripping the region.
The PMD has urged the public to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses during the heatwave. Hydration and limited exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours are strongly recommended. The department also advises monitoring weather updates for any changes in the forecast, especially for those in northern regions where variable weather conditions are expected.
As the heatwave continues to affect large swathes of the country, authorities are on high alert to provide assistance and relief measures where necessary. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official PMD updates and advisories.
