Metropolis in grip of heat wave

Temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius are expected for the rest of the week

LAHORE:

A severe heat wave, with a temperature exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, is expected to prevail over the provincial capital and other areas of Punjab until June 24th, the Meteorological department said on Wednesday.

A heatwave alert was posted on the Pakistan Meteorological Department's (PMD) website, showing that the metropolis was experiencing a heat wave with a wind speed of 10-15 knots with a 45 percent humidity level. It added that maximum temperature in Lahore may rise to 42 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

Daytime temperatures are likely to rise gradually in most parts of the country during the next four days and temperatures are likely to remain between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius above normal in upper and central Punjab, Islamabad, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.

They are also likely to remain between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius above normal in Sindh, South Punjab and parts of Balochistan.

Very hot and humid weather is expected in most parts of the country while dust raising/gusty winds are likely in plain areas during next 24 hours.

Health experts have advised the citizens to ensure adopting special preventive measures to protect themselves, especially children from heat-related illnesses.

Talking to the media, Medical Superintendent Mian Munshi Hospital Dr Adnanul Qamar said that parents and teachers must prepare for and manage the risks associated with extremely hot weather, as children and infants are more susceptible to heat exhaustion.

He added that symptoms of heat illness included heavy sweating, cold, pale or clammy skin, an irregular pulse, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness and headaches.

He added that heat stress could be induced by high temperature, heavy workloads and clothing inappropriate for heat and humidity. In the wake of heat wave, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) advised the public to take necessary measures.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2023.