Karachi, April 23, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather forecast indicating that most regions in Sindh will experience hot weather on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
As summer sets in, temperatures are expected to rise significantly, affecting daily life and prompting advisories from health officials.
The PMD’s latest report notes that dry and hot conditions will prevail across the province, with temperatures potentially mirroring those recorded yesterday, where Shaheed Benazirabad hit a scorching 42°C, followed closely by Dadu at 41°C. These conditions are attributed to a dominant continental air mass over most parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the rest of Pakistan is expected to see mainly dry weather, although southern parts, including Sindh, will particularly feel the heat. Contrastingly, a westerly wave approaching the western parts of the country by the night of April 24 is likely to bring some rain-wind/thunderstorms to western and southwestern Balochistan, providing a slight respite from the prevailing dry spell in those regions.
The weather pattern over the past 24 hours across Pakistan showed similar trends, with dry conditions observed over most areas. However, isolated places in Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and adjoining hilly areas experienced rain-wind/thunderstorms, bringing temporary relief from the early onset of summer heat.
The recorded rainfall included 12 mm in Mandi Bahauddin, and varying amounts in Multan, Jhelum, Murree, and several other locations across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Despite these isolated showers, the larger picture remains dominated by dry and hot weather, especially in the southern regions.
Authorities in Sindh are bracing for the impact of the heat, with public health advisories in place urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun, and use air conditioning or fans to maintain a cool environment indoors. Special attention is being directed towards vulnerable populations, including the older people and children, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
Local governments are also taking proactive steps to mitigate the effects of the heat. Measures include setting up heat relief centers, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for cooling systems, and increasing public awareness about dealing with heatwave conditions. Hospitals and emergency response units are on high alert to handle any increase in heat-related health incidents.
Farmers and agricultural stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, as prolonged heat waves can adversely affect crop growth and livestock. The agriculture department is issuing guidelines on managing farms and irrigation practices to minimize the adverse effects of the heat.
As Sindh prepares for a sweltering Wednesday, residents are reminded of the 2015 heatwave that had devastating effects on the community, underlining the importance of preparedness and public cooperation in facing these extreme weather conditions. With climate change making such events more frequent and intense, adaptation strategies are becoming increasingly crucial for regions like Sindh.
The PMD continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents are advised to stay informed through official weather updates and to adhere to safety guidelines issued by health and government authorities.
