Dr. Zulfiqar Warns of Severe Heatwave in Punjab

Punjab is set to experience a severe heatwave starting from May 12, with temperatures expected to soar above 40 degrees Celsius. Dr. Zulfiqar, an environmental expert, has warned residents to stay indoors to avoid heatstroke and suggested keeping rooms humid by placing water in wide pots. The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts near-normal rainfall for most parts of the country in May, with slightly above normal rainfall expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Balochistan, northern Punjab, and Azad Kashmir. While daytime maximum temperatures are predicted to be slightly above normal in northern and southern regions, central parts of Punjab and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may experience normal to slightly below normal temperatures. Additionally, warmer than normal minimum temperatures are expected nationwide, with the likelihood of heatwave development in the southern half of the country. The forecast also anticipates above-normal precipitation benefiting agriculture, but warns of potential damage to standing wheat crops from hailstorms and windstorms in certain regions. Higher temperatures in high-altitude areas are expected to accelerate snowmelt, providing opportunities for irrigation and power generation in northern regions.