Three heatwaves likely to hit different cities of Pakistan soon

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has predicted that Pakistan may experience three heatwaves in various cities during the next 25 days.

According to the NDMA, the first heatwave is expected in Umarkot, Tharparkar, Tando Allahyar, Matiari and Sanghar in Sindh, while south Punjab’s Bahawalpur and Rahimyar Khan cities will also be affected.

The NDMA said the first spell of heatwave may last two to three days between May 15 and 30, as the mercury in those cities might touch 40C but the heat could be felt even more.

According to the NDMA, the second heatwave is expected to last four to five days in late May or early June wherein the temperature might rise up to 45C.

The third heatwave is expected during the first 10 days of June. This heatwave will affect Tharparkar, Umarkot, Sanghar, Badin and Khairpur, it added.

Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on May 8 warned of an increased temperature resulting in a heatwave in the province.

As per the PDMA, the mercury was expected to soar by three to five C from May 8 to 10. “South Punjab is likely to receive heavy rains from May 10 to 11,” the government body had said in a statement adding that most districts of Punjab were expected to experience thunderstorms. Advising public to be cautious in light of the expected heatwave and heavy rains, the PDMA Director General Irfan Kathia had said that thunderstorms posed a threat to various crops across the province. “The district administrations across Punjab have been informed about the weather situation,” the official had added.