- Temperatures are expected to rise in parts of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.
- The Met Office advises the public to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun.
- Upper parts of the country will likely experience cooler conditions.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday issued a heatwave alert, warning of a significant increase in temperatures in parts of the country in the coming days.
Moderate heatwave conditions are expected to develop in the south of the country from April 29 to May 3, the Met Office said in an advisory.
According to the PMD, El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions remain neutral; however, most lowland areas are likely to experience extreme heat.
There is a 61% chance of El Nino conditions occurring during the May-July period, which could influence regional weather patterns.
In the coming days, temperatures are expected to rise in southern Punjab, Upper Sindh and Balochistan.
The Met Office said mercury levels could remain four to six degrees Celsius above normal, with temperatures on the lowlands reaching 43 to 45 degrees Celsius.
It advises the public to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours.
Health experts have warned that heatwave conditions could increase health risks, especially for the elderly, children and patients, calling for precautionary measures.
Meanwhile, the upper regions of the country are expected to experience relatively cooler conditions due to the influence of westerly weather systems.
These systems are likely to affect the region during the night of April 27-29 and again from May 3-5, leading to a temperature drop of two degrees Celsius to four degrees Celsius during these periods.
However, officials warned that heat intensity was likely to increase again after May 1, and intermittent heat waves were expected to persist.
Climatological data shows that May and June are generally the hottest months in Pakistan, especially in southern Punjab, upper Sindh and southern and eastern Balochistan.
Temperatures in these regions often reach extreme levels, sometimes reaching up to 52 degrees Celsius during intense heatwaves, while the normal range remains between 43 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius.
According to recent observations, temperatures in these heat-prone areas are currently two to four degrees Celsius above normal.
