PMD predicts heatwave in Karachi from April 20

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heatwave warning for Karachi, forecasting extreme temperatures in the city from April 20 to 24 amid persistently hot weather across southern Pakistan.

The Met Office said parts of Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab will continue to face heatwave-like conditions until April 18, with temperatures expected to soar 6 to 8°C above normal in Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana.

Strong winds are also likely to blow in Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Tharparkar, Umerkot, and Hyderabad during this period, while hot and humid conditions are expected to persist in Karachi for at least the next three days.

"Karachi is expected to witness a heatwave at the end of the ongoing month," PMD spokesperson Anjum Nazir said last week, adding that April to June is expected to remain hotter than average.

The department has warned that extreme heat may trigger dust storms and windstorms, with the potential to damage fragile infrastructure such as electric poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels.

Health authorities are advising the public — especially children, women, and the elderly — to stay indoors during peak hours, avoid direct sun exposure, and remain hydrated.

Meanwhile, the PMD noted a potential shift in weather conditions for the upper parts of the country. A westerly system entering on the evening of April 16 is expected to bring rain and hail to northern regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Punjab, through April 20.