The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has alerted citizens about higher than usual temperatures and the likelihood of several heatwaves from March to May. The PMD reports that the prolonged La-Nina wave has now changed to a neutral phase, which will remain throughout the season.
Although the PMD expects near-normal rainfall for most of the country, it predicts slightly lower precipitation in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and most of Gilgit Baltistan (GB). Despite this, temperatures are expected to remain above average, and there is a possibility of heatwaves during the season.
The expected warmer temperatures may result in faster growth of Rabi crops, and the Kharif season is expected to require increased irrigation. Additionally, the dry conditions may lead to an earlier onset of the pollen season in Islamabad and Lahore.
The PMD has warned that heatwaves may develop across the country’s plains, particularly during the season. The warning emphasizes the possibility of water stress for agricultural and domestic needs throughout the upcoming season.
Weather expert Jawad Memon has predicted unusually hot summer months in Karachi this year based on the above-normal temperatures observed in February. Pakistan has experienced significant temperature increases in recent years due to global warming, resulting in longer, harsher summers and heavy rainfall. The country suffered devastating floods last year caused by record-breaking monsoon rains.