The Meteorological Office announced on Thursday that high-pressure systems in the upper atmosphere are expected to cause heatwave conditions across much of Pakistan, particularly in Punjab and Sindh, starting from May 21. These conditions are projected to intensify into severe heatwaves from May 23 to 27.
Daytime temperatures in Sindh and Punjab are forecasted to be 4 to 6°C above normal between May 21 and 23, rising to 6 to 8°C above normal from May 23 to 27. Similarly, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan can expect daytime temperatures to be 4 to 6°C above normal from May 21 to 27.
Additionally, the Meteorological Office noted that a shallow westerly wave is expected to affect the upper regions of the country on the evening of May 16. Consequently:
- Balochistan may experience dust storms, thunderstorms, and isolated rainfall in various districts from the evening of May 16 to 19.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may encounter similar weather conditions in multiple districts from the evening of May 16 to 19.
- Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are likely to witness rain, wind, and thunderstorms in several areas from the evening of May 16 to 19.
- Punjab and Islamabad may experience dust storms, thunderstorms, and isolated rainfall in various cities from the evening of May 16 to 18.
- Sindh might see dust storms, thunderstorms, and isolated rainfall in specific regions on May 17 and 18.
Possible Impacts and Advisories:
- Farmers are advised to manage their crops accordingly.
- The general public is advised to minimize unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight.
- Responsible use of water resources is encouraged in all aspects of life.
- Extreme dry and heatwave conditions could potentially lead to bushfires or forest fires in vulnerable areas of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Northeast Balochistan.
