PMD predicts sweltering heat wave ahead

Amid scorching temperatures, power shortfall reaches 5,319MW

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast indicating predominantly very hot weather across most plain areas of the country, with chances of gusty winds or windstorms at select locations. Conversely, isolated regions in Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Potohar region are likely to experience rain, windstorms, or thunderstorms.

According to the synoptic situation, continental air is prevailing over much of the nation, with a shallow westerly wave anticipated to impact the upper parts of the country starting Wednesday.

Over the past 24 hours, sweltering conditions persisted throughout the country. Record-high temperatures were observed, notably reaching 52 degrees Celsius in Jacobabad and 51 degrees Celsius in Dadu, Larkana, and Mohenjodaro.

Read: PMD issues heatwave warning for Karachi

Other areas experienced temperatures of 50 to 48 degrees Celsius. They include: Rahim Yar Khan, Sibbi, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Khanpur, Bhakkar, Khairpur 50 degree Celsius; Bahawalnagar, Rohri, Padidan 49 degree Celsius; Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan, Gujranwala, Jhang, Kasur, Khanewal, Kot Addu, Multan, Noor Pur Thal and Sakrand 48 degree Celsius.

Power shortfall

Amid soaring temperatures, Pakistan is grappling with an electricity shortfall, now reaching 5,319 MW, leading to widespread load shedding across the country.

Sources revealed that the nation's electricity demand was 25,000 MW, but production was falling short at 19,681 MW, leaving a considerable gap.

Read: Severe heatwave forces Sindh residents indoors

Hydropower sources are pulling their weight with 5,600 MW, while government thermal power plants are chipping in with 890 MW.

The private sector plays a crucial role, producing 8,980 MW, and wind power plants add 780 MW to the grid.

Solar power plants generate 198 MW, bagasse provides 133 MW, and nuclear power plants contribute 3,100 MW.

Due to the shortfall, residents are experiencing load shedding for up to six hours daily across the nation, according to sources.

Pakistan's power sector has been grappling with rampant power theft and distribution losses, leading to mounting debts throughout the production chain — a matter of concern highlighted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during recent bailout negotiations.

Prime Minister Sharif has initiated a campaign to combat power theft nationwide, aiming to mitigate substantial financial losses.

On Tuesday, the PM called upon authorities to reduce load shedding during the prevailing heatwave and take decisive action against power theft across the country.