LAHORE: Meteorologists predict heavy pre-monsoon rains and above-average monsoon rainfall in Pakistan following a devastating heatwave.
Pakistan is currently experiencing an unprecedented and severe heatwave, with meteorologists suggesting it may persist until mid-June. Relief is expected with the onset of pre-monsoon rains, projected to commence from mid-June onwards.
Furthermore, forecasts indicate the likelihood of above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season.
Sindh and Balochistan provinces are anticipated to bear the brunt of the heightened rainfall. Concerns have also been raised for Gilgit-Baltistan, with the Meteorological Department warning of potential glacial lake outburst flood events and increased flood risks.
Residents of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been cautioned about elevated daytime temperatures, expected to range 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal, accompanied by wind and thundershowers.
The heightened temperatures may trigger hazardous glacial lake outburst floods in the snowy areas of Chitral district, emphasizing the importance of alertness and precautionary measures. In 2022, floods and landslides wreaked havoc in several districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, underscoring the urgency for preparedness.
Additionally, a cyclone forming over the Bay of Bengal is forecasted to impact southern regions of India, potentially exacerbating temperatures and increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods in Pakistan. Meteorological experts attribute the prevailing heatwave to high atmospheric pressure and limited cloud cover, contributing to widespread heatwave conditions across the country.
