RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a fresh advisory, warning of a new heatwave set to affect large parts of the country from May 20 to May 24.
This latest warning follows a similar advisory issued on May 15. According to the PMD, a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere will dominate throughout the week, pushing daytime temperatures up by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal.
“A shallow trough of a westerly wave is currently impacting the upper regions of the country,” the advisory noted. This weather system is expected to persist over the next four days.
Regional Temperature Forecast
- Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan: Daytime temperatures are projected to remain 4 to 6°C above average.
- Central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan: Temperatures may soar 5 to 7°C above normal.
Associated Hazards and Public Advisory
The advisory also cautioned about the possibility of dust storms and gusty winds in some plain areas due to intense surface heating.
Residents are urged to avoid direct sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and to stay hydrated. “Avoid exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours and ensure proper fluid intake,” the PMD advised.
Farmers are encouraged to adjust their agricultural activities accordingly and take precautions to protect their livestock. Additionally, authorities are being urged to stay vigilant and prepare for any heat-related emergencies.
The PMD also warned that rising temperatures in the north could accelerate snowmelt in glacier-fed regions during this period.
Recent Weather and Temperature Extremes
In the past 24 hours, most parts of the country experienced hot and dry conditions, with isolated rain reported in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Potohar region, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The highest temperature on Monday was recorded in Dadu and Jacobabad, where the mercury hit a scorching 48°C.
In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the temperature reached 39°C and is expected to climb further to 41–42°C over the coming days.
