Normal rainfall expected during monsoon

As temperature in Sindh and Balochistan may rise two to three degrees higher than the normal

KARACHI: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast normal rainfall in most areas of Pakistan during monsoon this year, from July to September. As per the department's data from 1961 to 2010, average rainfall during monsoon in Pakistan is recorded at 137mm.

According to PMD, due to weak prevalence of El Nino in Pacific Ocean and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, while downpour during monsoon would largely remain normal across Pakistan, more than usual rainfall might be experienced in the northern region of the country. However, normal to below-normal rainfall is expected in Sindh and Balochistan, with the temperature in these regions rising two to three degrees higher than the normal temperature.

The Met Office has also predicted that severe atmospheric conditions, including floods, are likely to hit some regions of Pakistan in the coming monsoon season.

However, these predictions are based on current parametres and separate monthly forecasts would be issued during monsoon, during the first week of every month, said the Met Office.

Heatwave continues

Meanwhile, as heatwave persists in Karachi, temperature is expected to rise to 41 degrees Celsius during day time on Saturday. Winds from the sea will remain suspended while the city is likely to experience dry and hot winds coming from the Northwest.

According to Met Office, the heatwave, which intensified on Friday, will persist today and weather will remain hot and dry. The temperature will begin to drop from June 16, Sunday. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has advised residents settled along the coastal belt of Sindh to take preventative measures for avoiding heatstroke.

The PMA Secretary General Dr SM Qaisar Sajjad said that citizens should avoid going out unnecessarily from 11am to 4pm and in case it is necessary to go out, they should try to stay in shade. People are advised to cover their heads with a cap or a wet cloth, not go outside barefoot, avoid playing outdoor games and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes, he added.

Dr Sajjad said that extra care should be taken of children and old people during heatwave as they have low immunity. He also advised the citizens to eat light, home-cooked meals and use boiled water for drinking.

Dr Sajjad listed the symptoms of heatstroke as itching, weakness, headache, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, muscular pains and unconsciousness. Elaborating further, he said that in case a person suffers from heatstroke, he needs to be shifted to a shady place immediately and provided with clean drinking water. In case of unconsciousness, the person's entire body is to be sponged and sprayed with clean water and the patient is to be shifted to the hospital immediately, he said.

ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM ONLINE AND PPI 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2019.