In an unprecedented event, a severe heatwave has affected various districts across three provinces in Pakistan, with temperatures exceeding 50C, causing significant damage to plantations. The crops most affected by these extreme temperatures include sesame, maize, cotton, mango orchards, lemon trees, vegetables, and fodders, experiencing considerable heat-stress due to prolonged hot and dry conditions.
This situation has been reported in upper Sindh, south Punjab, and parts of Balochistan provinces, where the heatwave has resulted in the death of plants and a decrease in both yield and quality of produce. The highest recorded temperatures reached 52C in Jacobabad, Mohenjodaro, and Nawabshah, with other areas also experiencing extreme heat. This intense heat, persisting for about a month, has left most crops in central and lower parts of the country, including upper Sindh, south Punjab, and adjoining areas of Balochistan, lifeless. The forecast suggests that these conditions will continue for at least a couple more weeks, with only a minor drop in temperature expected temporarily.
Source: thenews.com.pk