More heatwave alerts announced for June while Sindh remains scorching
Today, Karachi expected to experience temperatures between 40-42 degrees; scattered rain showers may offer relief to areas in the upcountry
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) cautioned on Thursday that intense heatwave conditions will persist in June across portions of Sindh and Punjab, with temperatures expected to stay above 48 degrees Celsius.
The National Emergency Operations Centre of the authority highlighted that in Sindh, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Tando Ala Yar, Matiari, and Sanghar are anticipated to be impacted, while in Punjab, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur are the areas most likely to experience heatwave conditions.
The NDMA advisory also mentioned that from May 31 to June 5, dust storms, strong winds, and light rain are expected in the northern regions of the country.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, light rain and storms are anticipated in several areas including Chitral, Dir, Battagram, Malakand, Swabi, Mardan, Mansehra, and Abbottabad.
Areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are also forecasted to receive light rain between May 31 and June 5.
While certain parts of Balochistan and Sindh may experience dust storms, Balochistan is anticipated to remain predominantly dry and hot. Additionally, dust storms and windstorms are forecasted for the coastal areas of the province today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday).
Thunderstorms and isolated showers are forecasted for the northern parts of Punjab, including the Potohar region, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Lahore, and adjacent areas over the next few days.
Severe Weather Conditions
In Sindh, challenging weather conditions prevailed throughout the province on Thursday, despite a decrease in temperatures in many cities.
The Meteorological Office noted Jacobabad as recording the highest temperature at 50.5 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Dadu at 49 degrees Celsius. With the exception of Karachi, which narrowly missed the mark with a high of 39.5 degrees Celsius and 63 percent humidity, all other cities in the province recorded temperatures surpassing the 40-degree mark.
The coastal city is anticipated to maintain its very hot and humid conditions today, with temperatures projected to fluctuate between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius.
Intense heatwave conditions persist across most areas of the province, with daytime maximum temperatures soaring 6-8 degrees above normal in districts including Dadu, Kambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, and Shaheed Benazirabad. Additionally, temperatures are 5-7 degrees above normal in Sanghar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Tando Allah Yar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Tharparkar, and Badin districts.
The grip of the heatwave extends to Karachi divisions, Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal districts, where daytime maximum temperatures have surged to 40-42 degrees Celsius in Karachi and 42-44 degrees Celsius in Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal.
These oppressive heatwave conditions are expected to persist until June 1.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) advisory recommends vigilance from authorities and emphasizes the importance of taking necessary precautions. Citizens are urged to stay hydrated and refrain from outdoor activities between 11 am and 3 pm.
Eid Day
Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfraz stated that there are no prospects of rain during Eidul Azha and forecasted continued hot conditions across most regions of the country.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), he mentioned that intense heat is expected to persist until June 4, with temperatures remaining elevated until mid-June.
Dr. Sarfraz also indicated that monsoon rains are anticipated to begin in July, following the usual pattern, although there could be some deviations in their timing.