Islamabad, October 28, 2024 — The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast warning of intense heat for Karachi on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. With temperatures expected to soar between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius, the coastal metropolis is bracing for an unseasonably scorching day.
This lingering heatwave, according to the PMD, will also affect other districts across Sindh, which are likely to experience hot and arid conditions.
Karachi, known for its moderate coastal climate, has been grappling with intensified heat spells in recent weeks. Health authorities have urged citizens to take precautions, avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, and stay hydrated. Residents are advised to prepare for high UV index levels, which exacerbate the risk of heatstroke and dehydration, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Beyond Sindh, the PMD’s national forecast suggests predominantly dry weather across much of the country’s plains, maintaining a warm but manageable atmosphere. However, a notable shift is expected in Pakistan’s northern regions. The PMD forecasts the arrival of a westerly wave that is anticipated to bring overcast skies, rain, windstorms, and potentially thunderstorms to upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and parts of northern Punjab. These weather phenomena may also bring light snowfall to Pakistan’s highest mountainous areas, offering a stark contrast to the heat prevailing in the southern regions.
According to a PMD synoptic assessment, this westerly wave will begin influencing the western and northern parts of Pakistan starting Monday night. For Monday, October 28, 2024, the department has predicted primarily dry weather in most plains, with cloudy skies and a chance of intermittent rain, windstorms, and thunderstorm activity in the Pothohar region, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northern Punjab. Additionally, isolated gusty winds are expected in parts of upper Punjab, which could provide brief relief but may also disrupt local activities.
Over the past 24 hours, much of the country has experienced dry weather, intensifying in Sindh where the temperatures have climbed steeply. The PMD recorded the day’s highest temperatures in Lasbella, Mithi, and Hyderabad, each reaching a peak of 42 degrees Celsius, with Shaheed Benazirabad close behind at 41 degrees.
This divergence in climatic conditions, with sweltering heat in the south and cooler, unsettled weather in the north, reflects the complex interplay of seasonal transitions across Pakistan. As the PMD continues to monitor these developments, the department emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant to rapid weather changes, which may impact travel, agriculture, and health across various regions.