PMD releases safety measures in response to the heatwave

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted a rise in day temperatures from May 21 to 27. They have advised individuals to take preventive measures to safeguard themselves from the intense heat wave.

According to the PMD, the daytime temperatures in Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan are expected to be 4 to 6 degrees Celsius higher than usual from May 21-27.

During the period of May 21-23, the daytime temperatures in Sindh and Punjab are expected to be 4 to 6 degrees Celsius higher than the average. From May 23-27, the temperatures are forecasted to rise even more, reaching 6-8 degrees Celsius above normal.

Based on the synoptic condition, there was a prevalence of continental air throughout the majority of the country.

Most sections of the country will expect mostly hot and dry weather on Tuesday, with central and southern parts likely experiencing very hot weather.

The PMD recommended that the general population should minimise their exposure to direct sunlight and utilise water wisely.

The severe arid/heatwave conditions have the potential to initiate bush fires and forest fires in the susceptible regions of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Northeast Balochistan.

Over the past 24 hours, the majority of the country had prevailing hot and dry weather, with particularly high temperatures in the southern and central regions.

Nevertheless, there were rain-thunderstorms in specific locations in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan.

The recorded rainfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was 8mm in Parachinar and 2mm in Kalam. In Gilgit Baltistan, Bagrote had 04mm of rainfall, Gilgit received 03mm, and Bunji and Hunza received 2mm.

The highest recorded maximum temperatures were 48C in Sibbi, and 47C in Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Mohenjodharo, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Jacobabad. Additionally, temperatures of 46C were reported in Sakrand, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Jhang, Khanewal, and Larkana.