PMD issues heatwave alert for Sindh, South Punjab, Balochistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that a heatwave will hit Sindh, South Punjab, and Balochistan starting today and lasting until April 30.

PMD said that a strong high-pressure system is forming over the upper atmosphere, which will cause temperatures to rise sharply from tomorrow. In South Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, daytime temperatures are expected to be 5 to 7 degrees Celsius higher than normal. In Islamabad, Central and Upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, temperatures could rise by 4 to 6 degrees.

The heatwave is expected to continue until April 30. However, some relief may come after May 1, when westerly winds could bring rain and hail to parts of Kashmir, Islamabad, northeast Punjab, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Climate change concerns

This extreme weather is another reminder of the effects of climate change. Experts say global warming is causing faster changes in weather patterns and leading to more natural disasters like floods and earthquakes. Pakistan is considered one of the countries most at risk from climate change.

The PMD advised people to take care during the heatwave by drinking plenty of water and avoiding staying in direct sunlight for too long.

Read More: Islamabad Weather Today: Is This the Start of a Heatwave?