ISLAMABAD: As the death toll from a devastating heatwave that has gripped Sindh for several days reaches 300, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast pre-monsoon winds and light showers in the province starting June 23 (tomorrow).
Read: Karachi heatwave death toll nears 200
Director General PMD Dr Ghulam Rasool said on Monday that pre-monsoon winds would enter Sindh on June 23 during night time and bring light rain in the province.
The pre-monsoon showers would start in different parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh from June 23 onwards, bringing down day temperatures, he said.
Talking to APP, Dr Rasool indicated chances of rain in different parts of Sindh, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Malakand and Peshawar and Punjab including Rawalpindi, Lahoreand Gujranwala division during the period.
He said frequent rains were expected during the whole month of Ramazan with occasional gaps, adding that the weather would remain pleasant.
About the situation in Karachi, he said the hot weather in the metropolis was due to a disconnect in the sea breeze owing to low air pressure in the Arabian Sea.
The direction of the air moving from land to sea reversed; it is now flowing from sea to land which has caused the low pressure, Dr Rasool said.
He said sea breeze was a blessing for the people of Karachi for if it did not exist, temperatures could rise over 50 degrees Celsius.
It was the sea breeze that was a moderating factor as far as the temperature is concerned since it injected moisture into the air, he added.
Dr Rasool said the intensity of low air pressure was now reducing and temperature in Karachi was improving.
About the impact of severe heatwave on the agricultural sector, Dr Rasool said the heat did not leave an adverse impact on crops including cotton, rice and sugarcane, adding that warm weather was favourable for such crops.
But, he said, it hampered vegetables and small plants.
