Islamabad, May 17, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted extremely hot weather across most parts of the country for Saturday, May 18, 2024.
The PMD’s weather forecast indicates that the majority of Pakistan will experience hot and dry conditions, with central and southern regions facing very hot temperatures accompanied by windstorm and dust-raising winds.
However, there is some respite expected in the northern and western regions. The PMD predicts partly cloudy weather with rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms in isolated areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, North Central Balochistan, Upper Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during the evening and night. Additionally, isolated hailstorms are anticipated in lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Potohar region, and Islamabad during this period.
According to the PMD, a westerly wave is currently affecting the upper and western parts of Pakistan and is expected to persist for the next 30 to 36 hours. This system is likely to bring some relief from the intense heat in these regions through sporadic rainfall and thunderstorms.
For Friday, May 17, 2024, the weather remains predominantly hot and dry across most of the country. Partly cloudy conditions with rain and thunderstorms are expected in isolated areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
The past 24 hours have seen hot and dry weather prevailing in most parts of Pakistan, with very hot conditions in the southern and central regions. Notably, rain and thunderstorms occurred in isolated parts of northwestern Balochistan, with Nokkundi recording 2 mm of rainfall.
On May 16, 2024, several locations experienced exceptionally high temperatures. The highest recorded maximum temperatures were as follows:
• Mohenjo-daro, Dadu, Jacobabad: 48°C
• DG Khan, Khairpur, Khanpur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Rohri, Sukkur, and Larkana: 47°C
Residents in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions to stay cool and hydrated, particularly in regions experiencing extreme heat. The PMD recommends avoiding direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, drinking plenty of water, and seeking shade whenever possible.
The upcoming weather conditions highlight the diverse climatic challenges faced by Pakistan, with some regions battling severe heat while others may experience stormy weather. The PMD will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed to ensure public safety and preparedness.