The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an alert for another scorching week, with intense heatwave conditions affecting parts of Sindh and Punjab. Mohenjo Daro and Larkana have recorded the highest temperatures in the country, reaching approximately 53 degrees Celsius, making these historical sites unbearably hot.
Jacobabad also faced extreme heat, registering 52 degrees Celsius, according to the Met Office. These severe weather conditions are expected to continue for the next five to six days. Over the weekend, Thatta was the only location in Sindh with temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius.
On Sunday, the Met Office predicted that heatwave conditions would likely continue in the plains for the next 24 hours, with coastal areas experiencing hot and humid weather. Karachi is forecasted to have a particularly hot week, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz stated, “The temperature in Karachi is likely to rise to 40°C or above due to a change in wind direction on May 29 and May 30.” He also mentioned that temperatures would decrease slightly in the upper and central parts of Sindh after May 27.
In South Punjab, Khanpur in the Rahim Yar Khan district recorded a maximum temperature of 50.2 degrees Celsius. Other cities in the province also experienced high temperatures, with Bahawalpur reaching 48°C, Sargodha 46°C, and Lahore 43°C on Sunday. Similar weather conditions are expected to persist throughout the week.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also experiencing dry and hot conditions in most districts. Dera Ismail Khan recorded the highest temperature at 44 degrees Celsius, while Bannu reached 43 degrees Celsius. A Met Office official told the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) that severe heat is likely in the southern districts of the province, with daytime temperatures expected to be 2 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal. There is also a possibility of thundershowers in Upper Dir, Swat, Mansehra, and Kohistan.
Ministry of Climate Change spokesperson Muhammad Saleem Shaikh advised the public to avoid unnecessary exposure to heat, noting that children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. He emphasized that pregnant women are also at higher risk during heatwaves and recommended avoiding outdoor activities between 11 am and 3 pm, the hottest part of the day.
In response to the heatwave, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has implemented measures to mitigate the effects. A PDMA spokesperson reported that water is being supplied continuously in Cholistan to address the heatwave situation.