Nationwide heatwave warning issued

ISLAMABAD:

The country is bracing for its first heatwave of the season, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warning that temperatures across much of the country will soar well above seasonal norms from Friday (today) and persist until May 5.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), on Thursday issued a nationwide alert warning of an intense heatwave in several regions until May 5, along with forecasts of rain, windstorms and thunderstorms in parts of the country between April 24 and 29. The NDMA urged the authorities and citizens to activate response measures and take precautionary steps.

The NDMA said the current weather pattern is consistent with its seasonal outlook issued three to four months earlier, and noted that a detailed assessment for the April to June period has already been shared.

According to the advisory, Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan are expected to face severe heatwave conditions. Major cities including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Turbat are likely to remain under extreme heat.

Along with this central Punjab and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may also see a sharp rise in temperatures. At the same time, a weather system is expected to bring dust storms, gusty winds and rain to upper and central districts of Punjab on April 24, 25 and 29. Areas including Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan are likely to receive rainfall.

In Balochistan, northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar are forecast to receive rain accompanied by strong winds between April 24–25 and April 27–29. Coastal areas, including Gwadar, are expected to remain hot and dry with a gradual increase in temperature.

Sindh is likely to remain hot and dry overall, with temperatures continuing to rise. However, Hyderabad, Badin and Mithi may experience light rain and gusty winds on April 24.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to witness intermittent rain and strong winds in districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat and Kurram during April 24–25 and April 27–29.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are likely to experience intermittent rain with thunderstorms from April 24 to 29.

The NDMA warned that the heatwave could increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration and other health issues. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink plenty of water and take precautionary measures.

The authority has directed relevant departments to activate heatwave response plans, set up cooling centres and keep hospitals on alert.

Provincial and district administrations have also been instructed to remain vigilant to deal with any emergency.

The NDMA further urged the public to stay updated through its official mobile application, "Pak NDMA Disaster Alert", for timely information and guidance.