On Thursday, the Meteorological Office warned that high-pressure systems in the upper atmosphere are likely to induce heatwave conditions across most of Pakistan, especially in Punjab and Sindh, starting from May 21. These conditions are expected to escalate into severe heatwaves from May 23 to 27.
In Sindh and Punjab, daytime temperatures are anticipated to be 4 to 6°C above normal from May 21 to 23, and 6 to 8°C above normal from May 23 to 27. Similarly, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan are projected to experience daytime temperatures 4 to 6°C above normal from May 21 to 27.
Moreover, the Meteorological Office highlighted the influence of a shallow westerly wave expected to affect the upper regions of the country on the evening of May 16. As a result:
- Balochistan may face dust storms, thunderstorms, and isolated rainfall in several districts from the evening of May 16 to 19.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may experience similar weather conditions in multiple districts from the evening of May 16 to 19.
- Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are likely to see rain, wind, and thunderstorms in various areas from the evening of May 16 to 19.
- Punjab and Islamabad might experience dust storms, thunderstorms, and isolated rainfall in various cities from the evening of May 16 to 18.
- Sindh could see dust storms, thunderstorms, and isolated rainfall in specific regions on May 17 and 18.
Impacts and Precautions:
- Farmers should adjust their crop management practices accordingly.
- The general public is advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight.
- Water resources should be used responsibly.
- Extreme heat and dry conditions could potentially lead to bushfires or forest fires in susceptible areas of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Northeast Balochistan.