By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is confronting a twin onslaught of scorching heat and powerful storms, with Karachi enduring temperatures as high as 41°C and a series of weather systems threatening heavy rain and gusty winds nationwide.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a three-day alert on Thursday, calling for heightened vigilance among residents.
In Karachi, daytime temperatures are forecast to hover between 37°C and 41°C, with overnight lows of 29°C to 31°C. Rising humidity, expected to reach 55 percent by May 31, is intensifying the heat’s toll. Winds will predominantly blow from the west and southwest.
The crisis has already claimed a life. A young man succumbed to heatstroke in Kunri town, Umerkot district, where temperatures hit 46°C, feeling like 52°C due to humidity.
Prolonged power outages and water shortages have further aggravated the situation for residents. The arid region has also seen significant losses among wildlife, with dozens of peacocks and livestock, including goats and cows, reported dead from scorching heat and thirst.
The hot and dry weather is likely to prevail across most parts of Sindh, though isolated areas in Badin and Tharparkar districts may experience dust, thunderstorms, or light rain today.
The increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves underscore the pressing reality of climate change for Pakistan, directly impacting millions of lives. The United Nations warned on Wednesday that there is a 70 percent chance that average warming from 2025 to 2029 will exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius benchmark set by international agreements.
According to an annual climate report published by the World Meteorological Organisation, the UN’s weather and climate agency, 2023 and 2024 were the two hottest years ever recorded, signaling that the planet remains at historic levels of warming.
Beyond the heat, Pakistan faces an escalating storm threat. The National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) identified five distinct weather systems set to unleash thunderstorms, hail, and torrential rain across multiple regions.
In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, two converging systems are expected to deliver wind gusts and heavy downpours from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. today, posing risks of flash flooding.
A sluggish system over Southern Punjab’s Rohi region near Rahim Yar Khan is drifting toward Rahim Yar Khan city, Sadiqabad, and Minthar, bringing light to moderate rain. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a system spanning Peshawar to Parachinar promises thunderstorms and strong winds, impacting Peshawar, Darra Adam Khel, and adjacent zones. Azad Jammu and Kashmir also faces rainfall and possible storm disruptions.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged all provincial and district authorities to ensure emergency preparedness, remain alert, and coordinate with local response units for timely action.
The authority has also issued a public advisory, urging citizens to exercise caution amid the ongoing severe weather. People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in hilly or flood-prone areas, secure vulnerable structures, trees, power lines, and solar panels, and park vehicles in safe, sheltered locations.
Farmers are encouraged to take measures to protect standing crops from potential hail and strong winds, while travelers and tourists should remain vigilant during outdoor activities and mountain excursions.
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