Prolonged heatwave hits country today
RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted a heatwave in the country from April 26 to April 30 while the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) predicted isolated rain in northern, central and southern regions of the country from May 1 to May 7.
The PMD said that a high pressure is likely to approach the upper atmosphere from April 26 and grip most parts of the country on April 27.
Under the influence of these conditions, day temperatures are likely to remain five to seven degrees Celsius above normal in southern half of Sindh, southern Punjab and Balochistan from April 26 to May 1.
On the other hand, day temperatures are likely to remain four to six degrees Celsius above normal in upper half of central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan from April 27 to 30.
Isolated rains forecast in first week of May
A weather system is expected to enter upper parts of the country from April 30. Under the influence of that system, rain-wind/thunderstorm (isolated heavy rains/hailstorm) are expected in Kashmir, Islamabad, Pothohar region including northeast Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan from April 30 to May 1.
This system will subside the heatwave conditions in the country from May 1 onwards. It said that due to heatwave in the country, people, especially children, women and senior citizens should take precautionary measures.
Rising temperatures in northern areas may enhance snowmelt rate, especially from April 27 till May 1st.
Wind-dust storm/hailstorm and lightning may damage loose structures like electric poles, trees, vehicles and solar panels in Islamabad, Pothohar region including northeast Punjab and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on April 30 and May 1.
Meanwhile, NDMA has issued a weather outlook indicating unstable weather conditions from May 1 to 7.
Moisture influx from eastern regions and the Arabian Sea, coupled with rising temperatures and humidity, is expected to trigger moderate to heavy rainfall, windstorms, thunderstorms, lightning, and isolated hailstorms across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, upper and central Punjab, northern Balochistan and southern Sindh.
Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2025