The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday predicted that mild heatwave conditions were likely to develop in the southern parts of the country from April 29 to May 3.

In a weather update, it said that the upper parts of the country were likely to be affected by the westerly wave from the night of April 27 to April 29 and from May 3-5, due to which temperatures were likely to drop 2-4 degrees Celsius.

The department said that El-Niño conditions were likely to emerge during May-July.

El Nino is a naturally-occurring climate phenomenon that warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. It brings changes in winds, pressure and rainfall patterns. The last El Nino contributed to making 2023 the second-hottest year on record and 2024 the all-time high.

“The observed climate suggests that May and June are the hottest months during the year, while south Punjab, upper Sindh, southern/eastern Balochistan are heat-prone areas of the country, with temperatures sometimes shooting up to 52°C due to heatwave conditions,” the PMD said.

It added that the temperature ranges in these areas was between 43 to 45°C in May and June. But, according to observational data, temperatures in these areas were currently 2 to 4°C above the normal range.

The PMD further said it was continuously monitoring the situation.

“If any heatwave is likely to develop, an update will be issued accordingly,” it said.

Last week, the United Nations said that the El Nino weather phenomenon was expected to return in mid-2026. Its weather and climate agency said El Nino conditions could well develop as early as May to July..

Last week, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), also issued a nationwide alert warning of an intense heatwave in several regions until May 5.