More Heatwave Warnings Issued for June as Sindh Continues to Sizzle

Karachi, May 31,2024: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued warnings on Thursday that extreme heatwave conditions will persist across parts of Sindh and Punjab throughout June, with temperatures likely to exceed 48 degrees Celsius.

The NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Centre highlighted that Sindh districts, including Umerkot, Tharparkar, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, and Sanghar, will be most affected. In Punjab, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur are expected to experience severe heatwave conditions.

From May 31 to June 5, the NDMA advisory also predicts dust storms, gusty winds, and light rain in the upper regions of the country. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, light rain and storms are expected in areas such as Chitral, Dir, Battagram, Malakand, Swabi, Mardan, Mansehra, and Abbottabad. Similar conditions are anticipated in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir during the same period.

In Balochistan and Sindh, dust storms are expected, although Balochistan is predicted to remain mostly dry and hot. Coastal parts of the province are forecasted to experience dust storms and windstorms today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday).

In Punjab, thunderstorms and isolated showers are forecasted for northern regions, including the Potohar region, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Lahore, and adjacent areas over the next few days.

Harsh Weather Conditions Persist in Sindh

On Thursday, harsh weather conditions continued across Sindh, with temperatures remaining high despite a slight decline in most cities. The Met Office recorded the highest temperature in Jacobabad at 50.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Dadu at 49 degrees. Most cities in the province registered temperatures above 40 degrees, except for Karachi, which recorded a high of 39.5 degrees with 63% humidity. The port city is expected to remain very hot and humid today, with temperatures ranging between 40 and 42 degrees.

Severe heatwave conditions persist across Sindh, with daytime maximum temperatures 6-8 degrees above normal in districts such as Dadu, Kambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, and Shaheed Benazirabad. In Sanghar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Tharparkar, and Badin, temperatures are 5-7 degrees above normal.

In Karachi divisions, Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal districts, heatwave conditions have pushed daytime maximum temperatures to 40-42 degrees in Karachi and 42-44 degrees in Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal. These conditions are likely to persist until June 1.

The NDMA has advised authorities to remain alert and take necessary measures, urging citizens to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities between 11 am and 3 pm.

Dry Eidul Azha Expected

Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfraz stated there is no likelihood of rain during Eidul Azha, predicting hot conditions across most parts of the country. According to APP, intense heat is expected to continue until June 4, with high temperatures persisting until mid-June. Monsoon rains are anticipated to commence in July, though their timing may vary slightly.