The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a three-day heatwave alert for Karachi, warning of a significant rise in temperatures starting Sunday (today). According to the PMD, the mercury is expected to climb by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius, with the heatwave likely to persist until April 23.
Weather experts have forecast that sea breeze may come to a halt today, causing daytime temperatures to soar between 38°C and 40°C. The conditions will remain hot and dry during the day, while nights are also expected to stay warm.
In light of the forecast, the PMD has urged residents to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. The minimum temperature recorded in Karachi on Saturday was 25°C.
Nationwide forecast
Elsewhere in the country, the PMD has predicted rain, windstorms, dust storms, hailstorms, and lightning in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pothohar region, upper and central Punjab, Islamabad, and Kashmir over the next 24 hours. This activity is attributed to a westerly wave currently affecting northern areas and expected to persist until Monday.
Hot and dry weather is likely to prevail in other parts of the country, with very hot conditions reported in southern regions.
Rainfall data
Over the past 24 hours, notable rainfall was recorded in various northern regions, including:
Skardu: 63 mm
Astore: 28 mm
Gupis: 17 mm
Bunji: 14 mm
Chilas: 12 mm
Gilgit and Bagrote: 8 mm
Dir (Upper): 42 mm, (Lower): 13 mm
Kalam: 22 mm
Pattan: 16 mm
Chitral and Drosh: 10 mm
Mir Khani: 9 mm
Kotli: 3 mm
Rawalakot and Garhi Dupatta: 1 mm
Hottest areas
Jacobabad was recorded as the hottest location in the country on Saturday, with the temperature soaring to 45°C. It was followed by Bahawalnagar, Dadu, Padidan, Mohenjo Daro, and Mithi, all recording highs of 43°C.
