Extreme heatwave continues to haunt Pakistan

Pakistan: The relentless and lethal heatwave has now entered into its third week posing serious climate challenges to the country as the weather office forecasted, day temperatures are likely to remain 07-09°C above normal in Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir asking public to take precautionary measures to avoid heatwave.

The met office further said that 06-08°C is above normal in Sindh and Balochistan and it has been informed that more heat is in store for the coming days.

The weather remained hot and dry in most parts of the country, while very hot in plain areas. However, rain occurred in Dir. Rainfall (mm): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Dir (upper & lower) 01.

Jacobabad saw a maximum extreme temperature of 48 °C as the city is already one of the hottest cities in the world. Pertinent to note that for Pakistan, it was the hottest April in 61 years.

Sibbi, Khairpur, Dadu witnessed 47°C while Mohenjodaro, Rohri, Larkana, Mithi, and Rahim Yar Khan observed 46°C.

Even birds are getting heatstroke and bird and nature lovers advised people to hold water in some pots and place them on their rooftop so birds can also get water in the scoring heat.

on the other hand, the Met office said that Hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country with plain areas to remain under the grip of a severe heatwave during the next twelve hours.   

However, gusty/dust-raising winds with light rain are likely in Potohar region, central Punjab, and southern and central plain districts of the country in the afternoon. Rain-wind with thunderstorms is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan.  

Temperature of some major cities recorded this morning:            

Islamabad and Muzaffarabad twenty-three degrees centigrade, Lahore thirty, Karachi twenty-nine, Peshawar twenty-six, Quetta eighteen, Gilgit twenty and Murree nineteen degrees centigrade.   

According to the Met office forecast for Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, partly cloudy and dry weather is expected in Srinagar, Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian, and Baramulla, hot and dry in Jammu while partly cloudy with chances of light rain and thunderstorm is expected in Leh.

Temperature recorded this morning:

Srinagar and Anantnag sixteen degrees centigrade, Pulwama and Shopian fifteen,  Jammu twenty-seven, Leh eight, and Baramulla fourteen degrees centigrade.

Tips to avoid Heatwave:

• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoid caffeinated beverages, as they can act as diuretics and promote dehydration.
• Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day and schedule outdoor activities carefully.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Never leave children or pets in cars.
• Check the local news for health and safety updates.