The Meteorological Department (Met) warned on Saturday that heatwave conditions are likely to develop over most parts of the country from next week, saying that temperatures in the southern Sindh province can surge to 50°C.
Pakistan is considered one of the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather, increasingly suffering frequent heatwaves, floods and droughts in recent years.
In a press release, the Met Office said it is predicting that a high pressure is likely to develop in the upper atmosphere on June 8 and is likely to persist till June 11.
“Under the influence of this system, heatwave conditions are likely to develop over the country from 7th to 12th June,” the Met Office said.
It said maximum temperatures are likely to remain 04-06°C “above normal” and may rise to 41-46°C in the northwestern districts of Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat and D.I Khan from June 8-11.
The Met Office warned that the maximum temperature is likely to remain in the 04-06°C above normal range and may rise to 48-51°C in the districts of Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Nausheroferoze districts of the province and in the southwestern Balochistan districts of Sibbi, Turbat and Panjgur from June 7-12.
The Met Office said the maximum temperature is likely to remain 05-07°C above normal and may rise to 41-44°C range in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Bagh and Muzaffarabad districts from June 8-10.
It said the maximum temperature was expected to remain in the 44-48°C in the districts of Lahore, Okara, Kasur, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Joharabad, Khushab, Mianwali, Noor Pur Thal, Jhang, Toba Tek Sing, Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah and Kot Addu from June 8-11. It warned of “very hot weather” in Karachi during the forecast period, adding that maximum temperature is likely to remain in the 40-43°C range from June 8-12.
“Due to heatwave conditions, general public especially children, women and senior citizens are advised to be extra cautious,” the Met Office said. “Farmers are advised to manage their crop activities keeping in view the weather conditions and take care of their livestock as well.”
It advised authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.