ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that conditions are becoming favourable for a heatwave in the coming weeks, particularly across the plains of southern Punjab and Sindh, as the March–April–May season trends warmer than usual.
PMD said mean temperatures will likely remain above normal across most parts of the country. The strongest warming signal is expected in the north, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where temperatures could rise significantly above seasonal averages.
The department expects rainfall during the season to remain near normal to slightly above normal in many areas. The most notable increase is forecast over central to western regions, particularly southern KP and adjoining parts of central Punjab and northern Balochistan.
PMD linked the expected rainfall increase to relatively stronger spring activity from westerly weather systems.
Other regions — including Sindh, central and southern Balochistan, northern KP, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan — are likely to receive rainfall close to typical seasonal averages.
PMD also warned of several short-term weather impacts during the spring transition.
Dust storms, strong winds and hailstorms may occur as temperature gradients intensify across the country.
Major cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore may also experience an early pollen peak. Rainfall after mid-March could prolong the pollen season and worsen conditions for allergy sufferers.
Warmer temperatures may also accelerate pest and disease activity in Rabi crops across the plains, increasing the need for close monitoring by farmers.
Separately, PMD cautioned that above-normal temperatures in Gilgit-Baltistan and upper KP could speed up snowmelt. That may raise the risk of glacier-related hazards later in the season, including glacial lake outburst floods.
PMD said the seasonal outlook provides broad climate trends and should be used alongside short-term forecasts for day-to-day planning.
