ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a nationwide alert warning of an intense heatwave expected to grip the country over the coming weeks.
It said in a weather update that the upper parts of the country were likely to be affected by the westerly wave from the night of April 27 to April 29 and from May 3-5, due to which temperatures were likely to drop 2-4 degrees Celsius.
In extreme cases, temperatures could climb as high as 52°C, particularly in inland areas.
The department said that El-Niño conditions were likely to emerge during May-July.
El Nino is a naturally-occurring climate phenomenon that warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. It brings changes in winds, pressure and rainfall patterns. The last El Nino contributed to making 2023 the second-hottest year on record and 2024 the all-time high.
“The observed climate suggests that May and June are the hottest months during the year, while south Punjab, upper Sindh, southern/eastern Balochistan are heat-prone areas of the country, with temperatures sometimes shooting up to 52°C due to heatwave conditions,” the PMD said.
It added that the temperature ranges in these areas was between 43 to 45°C in May and June. But, according to observational data, temperatures in these areas were currently 2 to 4°C above the normal range.
Officials have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, increase water intake, and take special care of vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.
Emergency services and relevant departments have been placed on high alert to respond to any heat-related incidents.
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