The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted a mild heatwave affecting southern Pakistan from April 29 to May 3. During this period, temperatures are expected to rise further above normal levels in regions already prone to high heat.
Currently, southern Punjab, upper Sindh, and southern and eastern Balochistan are experiencing temperatures 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above average. These areas could see further increases throughout the forecasted timeframe.
Typically, May and June are the hottest months in these regions, with temperatures ranging between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius. However, during severe heatwaves, temperatures can soar as high as 52 degrees Celsius.
In a significant development, the PMD indicated that a low-intensity heatwave will impact the southern parts of the country during the specified dates and urged residents to take necessary precautions to mitigate heat-related risks.
Global climate factors such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) are currently neutral. Nonetheless, there is a 61 percent chance that El Niño conditions could emerge between May and July, which may influence weather patterns.
Meanwhile, westerly weather systems are expected to affect northern regions from the night of April 27 to April 29 and again from May 3 to May 5. These systems could cause temperatures in those areas to drop by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius.
The PMD is closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and has committed to issuing timely warnings should heatwave conditions intensify further.
