LAHORE: Occasional heat waves are expected to hit major cities in the country during April and May as dry weather will keep temperatures above their normal values.
This was stated by the Pakistan Meteorological Department in its latest forecast for the season.
According to the forecast, slightly below normal rainfall is expected throughout the country during April and May. However, the frequency and intensity of dust storms is likely to remain higher disturbing the harvesting and threshing activities.
Three to four spells of western disturbances may cross the upper parts of the country during April. The average temperature is likely to remain above normal throughout the country. The expected rise in temperature during these months is 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.
The rise in temperature will accelerate the snowmelt in Northern Areas and subsequent increase in runoff in the upper Indus region.
Heatwave conditions are most likely to affect the major cities occasionally.
During winter 2018, snowfall remained 20 to 25pc less than the long-term average in upper Indus Basin and most of that occurred in February or early March. Owing to the rise in temperatures, water inflow will increase in Indus and Jhelum rivers. However, the water reservoir will remain under stress conditions and relevant agencies are advised to better manage the expected water resources during the period. The deficient rainfall will intensify the drought conditions over south-west Balochistan and may transform into moderate, while the prevailing drought conditions over Tharparkar region may exaggerate further.
-Staff Reporter