ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning for a potential heatwave expected to grip large parts of the country in the coming week, beginning April 13.
According to the PMD, rising atmospheric pressure will lead to a significant increase in temperatures across several regions. The southern parts of the country are expected to bear the brunt of the heat, with temperatures predicted to soar 6 to 8 degrees Celsius above normal in Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. Northern areas could see an increase of 4 to 6 degrees Celsius.
The heatwave is forecast to persist from April 13 to April 18. In addition to the high temperatures, the Met Office has also cautioned about the possibility of strong winds and dust storms accompanying the extreme weather, especially in southern and central parts of the country.
While the south prepares for scorching heat, other regions are likely to experience more varied conditions. Cloudy weather with intermittent rain, windstorms, and isolated thunderstorms — including the chance of hail — are expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pothohar region, Islamabad, Northeast Punjab, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan over the next twelve hours.
Hot and dry weather is likely to prevail in the remaining parts of the country during this period.
Morning temperatures recorded in major cities were as follows: Islamabad and Peshawar at 20°C, Lahore at 25°C, Karachi at 27°C, Quetta at 15°C, Gilgit and Murree at 13°C, and Muzaffarabad at 17°C.
In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the forecast predicts cloudy weather with chances of rain and thunderstorms in Srinagar, Leh, Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian, and Baramula. Jammu may also experience rain, wind, and thunderstorms.
Morning temperatures in these areas included: Srinagar at 9°C, Jammu at 21°C, Leh at -1°C, Pulwama and Baramula at 8°C, and Shopian and Anantnag at 9°C.
The public is advised to take precautionary measures, stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak hours, and follow local weather updates closely.
