An environmental expert has warned that Punjab could face a heatwave starting from May 12, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius. Dr. Zulfiqar, who specializes in climate research, stated that similar to Sindh, Punjab is expected to experience extreme heat from the second week of May. He advised people to minimize outdoor activities and stay indoors to avoid heat-related illnesses. Dr. Zulfiqar also recommended maintaining indoor humidity by placing water in wide containers.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that the neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) are likely to persist in May. While near-normal rainfall is predicted for most parts of the country, certain regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Balochistan, northern Punjab, and Azad Kashmir may receive slightly above-normal rainfall. Daytime maximum temperatures are expected to be slightly above normal in northern and southern regions, with central parts, including most of Punjab and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, experiencing normal to slightly below-normal maximum temperatures. Warmer than normal minimum temperatures are anticipated nationwide, particularly in northern KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
The PMD highlighted the potential for heatwave development, especially in the plain areas of the southern half of the country. While above-normal precipitation in May could benefit agriculture, precautions are advised to protect standing wheat crops during harvesting from hailstorms and windstorms in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Photohar region, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Additionally, higher temperatures in high-altitude regions are expected to hasten snowmelt in northern areas, providing opportunities for irrigation and power generation.
