Heat wave alert: Scorching heat persists across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heatwave conditions to persist over the entire country throughout the week.

In a daily weather advisory, the Met Office indicated that a high-pressure situation is forecast persist at high altitudes throughout this timeframe, leading to heatwave conditions.

In southern areas — including Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan – the daytime high temperatures are going to remain 4 to 6°C above normal between May 20 and May 24.

Similarly, the upper and northern regions – including central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan – daytime high temperatures are going to remain 5 to 7°C above normal between May 20 and May 24 Daytime high temperatures in Gilgit-Baltistan are forecast to be partly cloudy, with no rainfall.

However, in Azad Kashmir, strong winds and thunderstorms with rain are anticipated, which can help alleviate the weather intensity in that region.

If you look at Murree, Galiyat and the surrounding areas, thunderstorms and rain are forecast, which could generate a small reduction in temperature. In the federal capital, Islamabad, the weather remains hot and dry.

PMD also warned that changes to gusty winds, due to severe heat, may prompt dust storms in plain areas. Health authorities recommended that people should drink adequate water and cold fluids, stay out of direct sunlight, and should wear head covering.

And, they especially cautioned vulnerable populations—children, elders, and the ill—against temperature–induced illness, such as heatstroke.