Authorities noted that temperatures in recent days have already been recorded between 2°C and 4°C above normal levels, signaling the early onset of intense summer conditions. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned on Saturday that heatwave conditions were likely to develop across large parts of the country from June 7 to 12, as a high pressure system would form in the upper atmosphere, pushing temperatures significantly above normal levels.
According to a weather advisory issued by the Met Office, the high pressure system is expected to develop on June 8 and persist until June 11, triggering intense heat in several areas.
“Heatwave conditions are likely to develop over the country from June 7 to 12 under the influence of an anticyclonic system in the upper atmosphere,” the PMD said.
The department warned that some districts of Sindh and Balochistan may experience extreme temperatures between 48°C and 51°C during the forecast period.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, maximum temperatures are expected to remain 4-6°C above normal and may reach 41-46°C in Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan from June 8-11. Temperatures in Chitral, Dir, Swat and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to be between 37-40°C from June 8 to 10.
The PMD said temperatures in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Bagh and Muzaffarabad may remain 5-7°C above normal, reaching between 41-44°C from June 8-10.
Across Punjab, mercury levels are expected to rise to between 44 and 48°C in Lahore, Okara, Kasur, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Joharabad, Khushab, Mianwali, Noor Pur Thal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah and Kot Addu from June 8 to 11.
The Met Office said temperatures in Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo-Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Sibbi, Turbat and Panjgur are likely to remain 4-6°C above normal and may rise to between 48-51°C from June 7 to 12.
Karachi is also expected to experience very hot weather during the forecast period, with maximum temperatures likely to be between 40 and 43°C from June 8 to 12.
The ministry noted that nighttime temperatures would also increase, which could worsen discomfort and heat stress.
