Pakistan is once again going to be hit by a severe heat wave, where the Meteorological Department has predicted that the temperature will be 4 to 6 degrees Celsius higher than normal in most of the plains of the country from June 8 to 12.
According to meteorologists, the current weather situation reflects not just a normal heat but a widespread heatwave pattern, the effects of which can be felt in the energy, public health and agricultural sectors.
Several districts of Punjab, Sindh, lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are likely to be the most affected by this heat wave. Temperatures may rise to dangerous levels, especially in southern Punjab and interior Sindh.
The northern districts of Sindh, including Sukkur, Jacobabad, Larkana and Dadu, are already considered among the hottest areas of the country. The Meteorological Department says that the intensity of the heat here may increase further in the next few days.
According to energy experts, the extreme heat is expected to significantly increase the demand for electricity, which may put additional pressure on the power system. Similarly, there is a risk of an increase in heatstroke and water shortages in urban areas.
The lower districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and areas like Sibi, Turbat and Panjgur in Balochistan will also remain in the grip of extreme heat, while temperatures are also likely to remain above normal in upper areas, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Experts are advising citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during the hottest hours of the day, wear light clothes and increase water consumption to protect themselves from the harmful effects of heat.
In the context of climate change, experts are pointing out that the intensity and duration of extreme heat waves in South Asia are increasing compared to previous years, which could become a major environmental challenge for the future.