The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heatwave alert, forecasting the season’s first spell of extreme heat across large parts of the country beginning May 15. The alert, issued on Tuesday, warns of significant temperature spikes likely to last for several days.
According to the PMD, a high-pressure system is expected to dominate much of the country, pushing daytime temperatures well above normal levels:
- In the southern regions — including Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan — temperatures are forecasted to rise 4°C to 6°C above average from May 15 to 20.
- The central and northern parts — encompassing central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan — are expected to experience temperatures 5°C to 7°C higher than normal from May 15 to 19.
Additionally, a westerly weather system is anticipated to move into the upper parts of the country around the evening of May 19, potentially bringing rain, thunderstorms, and hail in areas including Kashmir, Islamabad, Pothohar, northeast Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan between May 19 and 20.
Precautionary Measures and Potential Risks
The Met Office has issued strong advisories urging the public to take preventive steps, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and women. Among the key recommendations:
- Minimize exposure to direct sunlight and stay well-hydrated.
- Farmers should adapt their agricultural and livestock care practices in response to the weather conditions.
- Rising temperatures in northern areas may accelerate snowmelt, posing additional environmental risks.
- A judicious use of water is recommended across all sectors.
- Authorities at all levels have been asked to stay on high alert and take appropriate actions to mitigate potential impacts.
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