According to the Meteorological Department, Punjab is likely to experience a heatwave starting from May 12, with temperatures soaring beyond 40 degrees.
Dr. Zulfiqar, speaking to Geo News, highlighted that Punjab is expected to face a heatwave similar to Sindh’s during the second week of this month.
In light of this forecast, experts are advising individuals to limit outdoor activities and stay indoors to prevent heatstroke.
El-Nino Effect
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has mentioned in its May monthly outlook that the neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is expected to persist throughout this month.
Based on climatic projections, the PMD stated that most parts of the country are likely to experience near-normal rainfall. However, regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Balochistan, northern Punjab, and Azad Kashmir might see slightly above-normal rainfall.
Daytime maximum temperatures are expected to be slightly higher than usual in the northern and southern parts of Pakistan. However, central areas, including most parts of Punjab and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, may witness normal to slightly below-normal maximum temperatures.
Also Read: Bitcoin experiences worst monthly performance since 2022
The PMD emphasized that above-normal precipitation in May could benefit Pakistan’s agriculture sector. However, precautions should be taken to safeguard standing wheat crops during the harvesting stage from potential damage caused by hailstorms and windstorms in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Photohar region, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Moreover, the anticipated higher temperatures in high-altitude regions are expected to hurry snowmelt in northern areas, providing irrigation and power generation opportunities.