Scorching start to fasting: Pakistan faces hot spell during first 10 days of Ramadan

WEB DESK: As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that much of the country should brace for a spell of hot and dry weather, particularly during the opening days of fasting.

PMD Deputy Director Irfan Virk said there is little to no chance of rainfall during the first 10 days of Ramadan. According to the department’s projections, daytime conditions are expected to remain largely dry across most regions. While cities such as Lahore and Islamabad are likely to see temperatures staying below 30°C at the outset, southern parts of the country may experience noticeably warmer conditions.

Parts of Sindh and southern Punjab are forecast to record temperatures climbing to around 35°C, making fasting hours more challenging compared to central and northern areas.

However, some limited rainfall is on the horizon for the southern port city of Karachi. Another senior official, Anjum Nazir, noted that a new wave of westerly winds is expected to enter the country, potentially bringing light showers to the metropolis. Even so, meteorologists cautioned that the rainfall is unlikely to significantly alter the prevailing warm and dry pattern.

For Karachi, temperatures during the first 20 days of Ramadan are projected to hover between 32°C and 34°C, with generally moderate conditions despite the possibility of brief showers.

Looking further ahead, forecasters anticipate a rise in temperatures during the final 10 days of the month. Authorities are urging the public to take precautions, particularly during fasting hours, as hotter conditions are expected to intensify toward the end of Ramadan.