PMD issues heatwave alert in Punjab from May 12

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has announced the possibility of a heat wave in Punjab in its monthly outlook for May.

The PMD said that a heat wave is likely in the province on May 12 and that the temperature is likely to rise above 40 degrees Celsius. The meteorological department’s monthly outlook said that atmospheric conditions favor the possible development of heat waves, especially in the plains of the southern half of the country.

According to the PMD, the neutral phase of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is expected to continue during the forecast month, along with the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), which is likely to overtake Punjab. But it is the cause of the heat wave.

The PMD added that most parts of the country have a near-normal rainfall trend. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, North Balochistan, North Punjab, and Azad Kashmir may receive slightly more rain than normal.

The department has predicted that the northern and southern regions of the country are likely to see maximum daytime temperatures slightly above normal. However, central regions, including Punjab and South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, may experience slightly below-normal maximum temperatures.

Simultaneously warmer than normal minimum temperatures are expected across the country, with maximum departures from the North KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.

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Forecasts by the Meteorological Department suggest that the above-normal rainfall in May could benefit agriculture in Pakistan. However, precautionary measures are advised to protect standing wheat crops from possible hailstorms and wind in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Photohar region, and Gilgit-Baltistan during the harvesting stage.