PMD Issues Nationwide Heatwave Alert as Temperatures Expected to Soar

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted an extreme heat wave in different parts of the country from June 7 to June 12 and has directed the public, concerned institutions and the agricultural sector to take precautionary measures.

According to the Meteorological Department, the temperature is likely to be 4 to 6 degrees Celsius higher than normal in most parts of the country in the coming days. Several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Islamabad, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will remain in the grip of extreme heat.

The Meteorological Department has warned that the temperature may reach 48 to 51 degrees Celsius in some areas of South Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. The extreme heat situation is likely to continue for several days in the districts of Sukkur, Jacobabad, Larkana, Dadu, Ghotki and other areas of Sindh.

Temperatures are also expected to range between 44 and 48 degrees Celsius in central and southern districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan. The mercury may reach 41 to 44 degrees Celsius in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and surrounding areas.

The Meteorological Department has said in its advisory that temperatures are likely to remain above normal even during the night hours, due to which the intensity of the heat will not decrease. According to experts, high temperatures can put additional pressure on public health, water resources and energy demand.

The agency has directed children, women, senior citizens and those with pre-existing medical conditions to take special precautions. The public has been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, consume more water and take measures to keep the body cool.

Special instructions have also been issued for the agriculture sector. Farmers have been advised to make appropriate arrangements for crop irrigation, planning of agricultural activities and protection of livestock to reduce the effects of extreme heat.

The Meteorological Department has further warned that due to extreme heat, dusty winds and dust storms may also occur in some areas of southern Punjab and Sindh.

Meanwhile, the latest meteorological report of the Meteorological Department has stated that rainfall is likely to be below normal and temperatures above normal in most parts of the country from June to August. According to experts, meteorological trends are leading Pakistan towards a long and relatively dry hot season, for which advance preparation and precautionary measures are essential.