The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning about moderate to severe heatwave conditions expected to affect most parts of the country during the Eid ul Adha holidays, spanning from May 25 to May 31. This surge in temperatures is attributed to the formation of a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere.
The high-pressure system is anticipated to develop on May 25 and intensify from May 26 onwards, leading to a significant rise in temperatures across various regions. Maximum temperatures are forecasted to be 5°C to 7°C above the usual averages, with some districts experiencing extreme heat.
In northern and central areas including Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Kohat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Kasur, Faisalabad, as well as Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber, temperatures may reach between 42°C and 45°C.
Meanwhile, regions such as Malakand, Hazara Division, Gilgit-Baltistan, Bagh, Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, Haveli, and Sudhanoti are expected to see temperatures 5°C to 7°C above normal, ranging from 38°C to 40°C.
In a significant development, southern and southwestern districts including Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tharparkar, Badin, Sujawal, Thatta, Hyderabad, Matiyari, Tando Muhammad Khan, Umerkot, Ghotki, Khairpur, Nausheroferoze, Mirpur Khas, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Sibbi, Turbat, Panjgur, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Joharabad, Khushab, Mianwali, Noor Pur Thal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, and Sahiwal could experience temperatures soaring between 47°C and 50°C.
Karachi is also forecasted to endure very hot weather during this period, with maximum temperatures expected to remain between 35°C and 38°C. Nighttime temperatures are predicted to rise as well, intensifying the heatwave’s impact.
The PMD has urged the public, especially vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly, to take necessary precautions. It is recommended to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and to maintain adequate hydration.
Farmers have been advised to adjust their crop management practices in accordance with the weather conditions and to ensure the proper care of livestock. Additionally, the department warned that electricity demand and consumption are likely to increase during the heatwave, calling for responsible water usage in all sectors.
Authorities have been instructed to stay alert and implement measures to prevent any adverse situations during this forecast period.
