Karachi Braces for Intense Heat Wave

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has indicated that Karachi is likely to experience a significant temperature increase over the coming days. Forecasts suggest that temperatures will range between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius on Thursday and Friday.

The department has cautioned residents that the weather in the coastal city will be exceptionally hot and arid, accompanied by the possibility of strong winds on both Thursday and Friday. Similar hot and dry conditions are expected across most of Sindh province.

However, some areas in upper Sindh, such as Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, and Khairpur, may experience scattered instances of light rainfall along with thunder and dust storms. Comparable weather patterns are anticipated in certain parts of Badin and Tharparkar districts.

This surge in temperature follows a period of intense weather that affected the upper and central regions of the country.

Tragically, recent severe weather has resulted in at least six fatalities, including two children, and left more than two dozen individuals injured across various provinces. The extreme weather brought strong winds and considerable rainfall, which inflicted damage on residences, agricultural lands, and essential infrastructure.

The PMD noted that damp air currents are actively moving into the upper and central areas of Pakistan. Additionally, a westerly wave is expected to move into the northern regions, potentially causing widespread windstorms, thunderstorms, and possible hail across Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.

In Muzaffarabad’s Bhalgran locality, a cloudburst resulted in three deaths and one missing person, while in Punjab’s Attock district, a storm-related incident led to one fatality and five injuries.

In Multan, the collapse of a wall resulted in the death of a 10-year-old girl. Numerous injuries were also reported in Rawalpindi, Hazro, Mianwali, and Shamsabad due to the collapse of buildings and falling debris. In KP’s Swabi district, one child died and two women sustained injuries due to a roof collapse.

Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Abbottabad, and other KP towns experienced rain and hailstorms that caused damage to crops and uprooted trees. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported damage to wheat crops in Mardan and nearby areas, with road networks and public infrastructure also being affected.

The federal capital was hit by a powerful windstorm that uprooted trees and billboards, causing concern among motorists and shoppers. Many residents sought refuge under bridges and flyovers amid fears of a hailstorm.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of ongoing risks of moderate to heavy rainfall over the next few days, thereby increasing the potential for landslides in GB and KP.

The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has advised residents in vulnerable areas, including Mansehra, Kolai Palas, Upper Kohistan, Darel, Diamir, Gilgit, Nagar, and Hunza, to avoid unnecessary travel.

Citizens are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App, with emergency response teams prepared to handle any emergencies.