Punjab plains on heatwave alert

Lahore records nine degrees higher temperature than past March average

LAHORE:

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert across the province following a forecast of a significant rise in temperatures in the coming days and directed relevant departments to take precautionary measures. According to the PDMA, temperatures in most plain areas of Punjab are expected to remain six to eight degrees Celsius above normal in the coming days. Officials said the increase could affect urban areas and certain crops.

A PDMA spokesperson said weather conditions in the northern parts of the province are likely to remain different. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain with thunder in upper Punjab and northern areas till Saturday, while another spell of rain is likely between March 9 and 11. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia advised farmers to take precautionary measures in view of the changing weather conditions to protect their crops from possible damage.

He also advised tourists to remain cautious and stay informed about weather conditions while travelling to northern areas.

According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature in Lahore on Thursday was recorded at around 36 degrees, nearly the same as the previous day. The maximum temperature was recorded at 35 degrees in Faisalabad, 36 in Multan, 35 in Bahawalpur and around 32 degrees in Rawalpindi. Experts say the average maximum temperature in Lahore during March is usually around 27 degrees. Thus temperatures recorded in recent days are higher than the seasonal average.

The PDMA directed relevant departments to remain alert in view of a possible heatwave and ensure that hospitals, rescue services and district administrations are prepared and citizens are informed about precautionary measures.