ISLAMABAD: Most parts of Pakistan are currently in the grip of a heatwave as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted rising temperatures to continue until the end of April.
According to the PMD, a high-pressure system developing in the upper atmosphere is driving the rise in daytime temperatures.
Southern regions — including Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan — are expected to experience temperatures 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal until 1 May.
In central and northern areas of Pakistan, including central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, temperatures are likely to remain 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal from 27 to 30 April.
Several cities have already recorded extreme heat. On Sunday, Nawabshah posted the highest temperature in the country at 48°C, the PMD reported.
Temperatures in Sukkur, Nawabshah, Mithi, Sibi, and Turbat are forecast to reach or exceed 45°C over the coming days.
Meanwhile, cities such as Lahore, Peshawar, Sargodha, and Multan are expected to see temperatures climb to 40°C or higher.
Karachi is facing hot and humid conditions, with maximum temperatures projected between 36 and 38°C.
The PMD stated that humidity levels in the city have reached 76 percent, accompanied by sea breezes blowing at nine kilometres per hour.
The PMD has forecast that a weather system is expected to enter the upper parts of the country from 30 April.
Under its influence, rain, windstorms, and isolated hailstorms are likely in Kashmir, Islamabad, the Potohar region, northeast Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Met Office anticipates that this system will help subside the heatwave conditions from 1 May onwards.
The PMD has advised the general public, particularly children, women, and senior citizens, to take precautionary measures during the heatwave. People are urged to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activities during peak daytime hours.
Farmers have been advised to manage their crop activities, particularly wheat harvesting, in view of the extreme weather, and to ensure the wellbeing of livestock.
The PMD also warned that rising temperatures could enhance snowmelt rates in northern areas, potentially impacting water flows.
