Southern Pakistan is set to experience blistering heat on Monday, April 22, with temperatures expected to soar, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The forecast indicates a predominantly dry and hot climate across the region, a pattern consistent with Sunday’s weather, and with no significant relief in sight.
The PMD has highlighted that while the majority of the country will remain dry, southern areas in particular will face significantly hotter conditions. Such temperature rises are not unusual for this time of year but continue to pose challenges for residents and authorities alike.
Conversely, some parts of the country will experience mild weather disturbances. “Light rain-wind/thunderstorm is likely in south Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, north Balochistan, and Kashmir,” the PMD reported. Additionally, the Pothohar region, along with central and north Punjab, may see drizzle and gusty winds during the evening and night.
The PMD’s report further details that the weather system affecting the northern areas is influenced by a shallow westerly wave approaching the upper parts of the country, while a continental air mass remains dominant over most regions.
In the past 24 hours, dry weather has prevailed over most parts of Pakistan, although there have been instances of rain and thunderstorms in northern and hilly areas such as Kashmir, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, and Gilgit-Baltistan. In these areas, Muzaffarabad recorded rainfall of 25 mm at the airport and 21 mm in the city, while other locations also reported light to moderate rainfall.
Temperature readings from the previous day have shown some of the highest maximums in the country with Jacobabad and Shaheed Benazirabad hitting 38°C, while Chhor and Mithi followed closely at 37°C. Such high temperatures present ongoing health and environmental challenges.
Authorities are also taking steps to mitigate the impact of the heat. Local governments are setting up relief centers in the most affected areas, where water and medical aid are available. Power companies have been directed to ensure a stable supply of electricity to maintain air conditioning and refrigeration systems, critical during heatwaves.
