The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned on Thursday that scorching temperatures are expected to persist across many parts of Pakistan until next week, urging the public to stay hydrated amid the extreme heat.
Temperatures in Sindh and Punjab provinces are forecasted to soar 4-6°C above normal, reaching 40-42°C from May 21-23. Subsequently, temperatures are anticipated to climb even higher, reaching 42-44°C from May 23-27, well above average.
With May and June being the hottest months in Pakistan, authorities are taking preemptive measures following the devastating 2015 heatwave in Karachi, which claimed over 1,200 lives and left another 50,000 ill.
Additionally, from March to May 2022, parts of Pakistan experienced record-breaking temperatures exceeding 50°C, resulting in 65 reported fatalities, with potentially more unaccounted for.
The capital, Islamabad, is also expected to face temperatures 5-7°C hotter than usual. The heatwave is forecasted to grip most of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan, with temperatures above normal. Districts like Larkana, Jacobabad, and Dadu are projected to be particularly affected.
Meteorologists warn that such prolonged and intense heatwaves pose serious risks to public health and safety, especially in urban areas. Authorities are advised to take immediate measures to protect vulnerable populations and ensure sufficient water and electricity supplies.
The PMD attributes the heatwave to weather conditions and high pressure in the upper atmosphere.