Exceptional heat wave over India and Pakistan

While heat waves during the pre-monsoon season of April to June are quite frequent, this year's heat wave is the earliest ever. This heat wave began in late March in northern India and Pakistan, then spread and is expected to continue through this week 17. Forecasts indicate that parts of Pakistan and northwestern India could reach temperatures near 120°F (50°C) on Thursday and Friday.

 

In Pakistan, the meteorological department predicts hot and dry weather in almost all parts of the country for the whole of week 17 and beyond. In the plains of Sind and Balochistan, the temperature is expected to fluctuate between 44°C and 46°C and in southern and central Punjab, temperatures of 48°C are expected in some places.

 

India in March 2022, with an average temperature of 92°F (33°C) experienced the hottest March on record since records began in 1902. A temperature of 113°F (45°C) is forecast for the Delhi and Lahore regions, this temperature is 18°F (10°C) higher than the normal maximum temperatures for the month of April.

 

In addition to the heat, a significant rainfall deficit has also been recorded in the pre-monsoon season since early March. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, many parts of India are experiencing a 99% deficit of normal rainfall amounts. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, this very hot and dry weather is likely to cause damage to crops and orchards.