Can Karachi expect a heatwave this week?

• Met department warns of an extreme heatwave in Pakistan this week.
• Temperatures would rise to unusually high levels during heatwave.
• Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz says intensity of weather would lessen in Karachi from today unlike rest of the country.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of an extreme heatwave in the country during this week, The News reported. However, Karachi will remain unaffected by this weather condition.

"Due to a persistent high pressure in the upper atmosphere, the day temperatures are likely to remain unusually high in most parts of the country during the week," the weather alert issued by the Met Department said.

According to the alert, the mercury will shoot 9-10 degrees Celsius higher than the "normal temperatures" in northern Balochistan, South Punjab, Kashmir and adjoining areas.

Meanwhile, the temperatures in Islamabad, upper and Central Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, lower Sindh and south Balochistan will be 7-8 degrees higher than "normal".

Possible impacts

• The heatwave and dry period may result in water stress for the standing crops, vegetables and orchards.
• Early harvesting of wheat may start in Sindh and South Punjab.
• Unusual high temperatures may cause pollen concentration to rise sharply in Islamabad and Lahore.
• Dust raising/Gusty winds are also expected in North Balochistan, South Punjab and Upper Sindh during the period.

The Met department has advised, the farmers to manage crop water keeping the impacts of the heatwave in view, and the general public to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct heat

Chief Meteorological Officer Sardar Sarfaraz said that unlike the rest of the country, the intensity of weather would lessen in Karachi from today in the effect of the sea breeze resumption.

"Weather remained very warm and dry for the last three days in Karachi but the situation would start improving with the resumption of the sea breeze from Tuesday,” Sarfaraz said, adding that maximum temperature could remain between 36 to 37°C till March 20.