Temperatures in Sindh districts may reach up to 49°C, says PMD
Men ride on a motorbike as they cover their heads with a wet cloth to cool off and to avoid sunlight, during a hot summer day, as the heatwave continues in Jacobabad, Pakistan May 26. Photo: REUTERS
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday issued a heatwave alert for Sindh, forecasting hot to very hot and dry conditions across most parts of the province for the next three days.
According to the official notification, heatwave conditions are likely to persist in central and upper Sindh until May 11.
Daytime temperatures in several districts, including Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Jacobabad, Larkana and Sukkur, may rise to between 47°C and 49°C under the prevailing weather system.
The Met Office has advised the public, particularly children, women and elderly citizens, to take precautionary measures during the extreme weather.
It has urged residents to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during the day and maintain adequate hydration. Farmers have also been advised to plan agricultural activities, including wheat harvesting, according to weather conditions, and ensure proper care of livestock.
In Karachi, hot and humid conditions are expected to continue over the next three days. Maximum temperatures in the city are likely to range between 34°C and 36°C on Friday and Sunday, while Saturday may see temperatures between 33°C and 35°C.
Read: PMD forecasts hot, humid spell in Karachi with slight temperature drop
Humidity levels are expected to remain high, ranging between 55% and 85%, which may make conditions feel hotter than the actual temperature. Winds are expected to remain mainly westerly and south-westerly, with sea breezes continuing alongside intermittent westerly flows.
The PMD on Wednesday had already issued a similar heatwave alert for Sindh, warning that temperatures may rise to 49°C and would affect central and upper Sindh from May 7 until May 11.
The Met Office advised children, women, and elderly people to take precautionary measures. It further recommended that people avoid going outdoors during peak daytime hours and increase water intake to stay hydrated.
The PMD also issued a weekly weather outlook warning of a persistent heatwave across several parts of the country from May 6 to 12. According to the forecast, most plain areas of Pakistan are expected to remain under hot and dry conditions during this period.
The Met Office said that daytime temperatures in central and southern regions were likely to remain significantly above normal, with some areas experiencing a rise of 2°C to 6°C above seasonal averages.
Read More: PMD issues another heatwave alert for Sindh, warns mercury may climb to 49°C
It added on Wednesday that southern Punjab, Sindh, and parts of Balochistan were expected to remain among the worst-affected regions, where intense heat conditions would continue during daytime hours. PMD further said that the ongoing heatwave conditions were expected to persist through the forecast period, with no immediate relief in sight.
On Monday, Karachi recorded its hottest day since 2018, as the temperature in the city surged past 44°C. The highest temperature was recorded at the Old Airport Weather Station, where it reached 44.1°C.
Due to the intense heat, at least ten bodies were recovered from different parts of the city.
Shahid Chaudhry, spokesperson for Chhipa Foundation, said that four of the deceased were found in critical condition and died during treatment, while the bodies of six others were recovered from homes, mosques, and other locations across the city.