PMD warns of severe heatwave and water shortage across Pakistan

CT Newsroom

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issues a warning to the residents of the metropolis for an increase in temperature on Saturday with the onset of a looming heatwave in the city in the ongoing month.

Reportedly, PMD issued a warning to the metropolis resident about an increase in temperature in the ongoing month of Apirl.

Weather expert Jawad Memon has warned that because of a change in wind direction, temperatures are likely to stay between 36°C and 38°C, but due to high humidity, it will feel more like 39°C to 41°C.

PMD spokesperson Anjum Nazir has said that although the weather in Karachi is expected to experience a heat wave at the end of April.

A weather official has said that most areas of Sindh are facing moderate drought, and there’s hardly any open land left in Karachi.

Karachi city is mostly covered with concrete, rainwater flows into the sea instead of soaking into the ground. He suggested that rainwater harvesting should be started in Karachi, and water wells should be built in places where open soil still exists to help raise the groundwater level.

Talking about rainfall, the official said that international weather apps are predicting heavy rain in Pakistan, but a clear forecast for the monsoon season will only be possible by late May or early June.

He also mentioned that the country saw 61% less rainfall and 50% less snowfall during winter. Due to this, heatwaves are expected from April 14 to 19, especially in Sindh, where temperatures may reach 46°C to 48°C. Above-normal temperatures are expected in many parts of the country, especially South Punjab and Sindh, between April and June.

While average rainfall is expected during this period (which makes up 19% of the country’s water storage), areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan may receive less than usual.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has already warned of heatwaves, with temperatures rising 4°C to 6°C above normal in places like central Punjab, Islamabad, KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir.

It is worth mentioning here that the extreme heat could also cause dust and windstorms, which may damage things like electric poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels. People, especially children, women, and the elderly, are advised to stay out of the sun and drink plenty of water.

Farmers should plan their crop activities, especially wheat harvesting, according to the forecast and also protect their animals. Rising temperatures in the north could also cause snow to melt faster, increasing the risk of floods.