Heatwave alert issued as temperatures set to soar across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Monday issued a heatwave alert, warning of a significant rise in temperatures across several parts of the country in the coming days.

According to the Met Office, mild heatwave conditions are expected to develop in southern regions from April 29 to May 3, with most plain areas likely to experience extreme heat despite neutral conditions in the El Niño Southern Oscillation and Indian Ocean Dipole.

Temperatures in South Punjab, upper Sindh, and Balochistan are forecast to rise four to six degrees Celsius above normal, with mercury levels expected to reach between 43°C and 45°C in plain areas.

The department advised citizens to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun, particularly during peak hours, as health experts warned of increased risks for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and patients.

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Meanwhile, relatively cooler conditions are expected in upper parts of the country due to westerly weather systems, which are likely to bring a temperature drop of two to four degrees Celsius during brief periods.

However, officials cautioned that the heat intensity is expected to rise again after May 1, with intermittent heatwave conditions likely to persist in the coming weeks.