The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a stark warning about the continuation of extreme heatwave conditions in parts of Sindh and Punjab throughout June. Temperatures in these regions are expected to soar above 48 degrees Celsius, posing significant risks to health and safety.
Affected regions
The NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Centre highlighted several districts likely to be severely impacted:
- Sindh: Umerkot, Tharparkar, Tando Ala Yar, Matiari, and Sanghar
- Punjab: Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur
Weather advisory
From May 31 to June 5, the NDMA forecast includes:
- Upper regions: Dust storms, gusty winds, and light rain
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Light rain and storms in Chitral, Dir, Battagram, Malakand, Swabi, Mardan, Mansehra, and Abbottabad
- Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir: Light rain expected
Balochistan and parts of Sindh will experience dust storms, with the former remaining predominantly dry and hot. The coastal areas of Balochistan are likely to see dust storms and windstorms on Thursday and Friday.
In Punjab, thunderstorms and isolated showers are predicted for the northern regions, including the Potohar area, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Lahore, and surrounding areas over the next few days.
Harsh weather in Sindh
Thursday saw continued harsh weather conditions across Sindh, despite a slight temperature drop in most cities. The hottest spot was Jacobabad, recording a maximum of 50.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Dadu at 49 degrees. Most cities in Sindh, except Karachi, reported temperatures above 40 degrees. Karachi itself hit 39.5 degrees with 63 per cent humidity and is expected to stay hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 42 degrees.
Severe heatwave conditions are impacting districts including Dadu, Kambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Tando Allah Yar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Tharparkar, and Badin. The Karachi division, Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal districts are also experiencing daytime maximum temperatures of 40-44 degrees.
These heatwave conditions are expected to persist until at least June 1.
Public advisory
The NDMA urges citizens to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures:
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid outdoor activities between 11 AM and 3 PM
Dry Eid-ul-Azha forecast
Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfraz has indicated that no rainfall is expected during Eid-ul-Azha. He predicted that the intense heat would continue until June 4, with high temperatures likely extending into mid-June. Monsoon rains are anticipated to begin in July, albeit with possible variations in their timing.
As Pakistan braces for these extreme weather conditions, the NDMA’s timely advisories and recommended precautions are crucial for public safety and health.