The Meteorological Department Quetta Regional Centre today issued a severe weather warning, forecasting extremely hot conditions and a mild heatwave across many plain areas of Balochistan. Temperatures are predicted to climb 2-4 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages from 30th April to 3rd May in several districts, prompting urgent advice for public safety.
Districts expected to experience these elevated temperatures include Sibi, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Nasirabad, Usta Muhammad, Jaffarabad Sohbatpur, Lasbella, Awaran, Kech, Panjgur, Washuk, Chagi, and Kharan.
Residents are strongly urged to adopt precautionary measures, especially during outdoor activities between 10:00 AM and 04:00 PM. Avoiding direct sun exposure and maintaining adequate hydration are critical recommendations to mitigate health risks.
Farmers, too, have received specific guidance to manage their crops effectively in light of the anticipated weather patterns and to ensure the well-being of their livestock.
Furthermore, the department cautioned that potential wind-dust storms could jeopardise loose structures such as electrical poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels in vulnerable locations across the province.
The prevailing meteorological conditions indicate continental air dominating most parts of Balochistan, contributing to the elevated temperatures.
Looking ahead, the Meteorological Department forecasts mainly hot and dry weather across the majority of the province for the next 24 hours. Exceptionally hot conditions are expected to persist in the plain regions, accompanied by occasionally strong, gusty, or dust-raising winds.
This pattern is anticipated to continue over the subsequent 48 hours, with predominantly hot and arid conditions prevailing in most districts, and very hot or hot weather in the plains. Sporadic strong gusty and dust-raising winds are also likely throughout the province.
In the preceding 24 hours, no rainfall was recorded. The highest maximum temperatures observed included Sibbi at 46.0°C, Turbat at 45.0°C, Uthal at 43.2°C, Usta Muhammad and Lasbella both at 43.0°C, and Gwadar at 42.5°C.