Advises citizens to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink water and take precautions
Men ride a motorcycle while covering their heads with a wet cloth to cool off and to avoid sunlight on a hot summer day as the heat wave continues in Jacobabad, Pakistan May 26. Photo: REUTERS
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued a nationwide warning of an intense heat wave in several regions until May 5.
According to the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) advisory, Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan were expected to face severe heatwave conditions. Major cities including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Turbat were likely to remain under extreme heat.
Along with this, central Punjab and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) may also experience a sharp rise in temperatures.
The NDMA warned that the heat wave could increase the risk of heat stroke, dehydration and other health problems. Citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink plenty of water and take precautions.
The authority directed relevant departments to activate heat wave preparedness plans, set up cooling centers and keep hospitals on alert. Provincial and district administrations were also asked to remain alert to deal with any emergency.
Read more: Karachi to reach 38°C over the next 3 days: Met Office
Meanwhile, the NDMA said a weather system was expected to bring dust storms, gusty winds and rain to the upper and central districts of Punjab on April 24, 25 and 29. Areas including Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Guisjala, Guisjala, Guisjala, Guisjala, Guisjala, Guisjala, Khan and Multan are likely to receive rainfall.
In Balochistan, northern districts like Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar were expected to receive rain accompanied by strong winds between 24-25. April and 27-29 April. Coastal areas, including Gwadar, were expected to remain hot and dry with a gradual rise in temperature.
According to the authority, 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.
KP was 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.
Read also: Mercury likely to hit 41°C as Karachi braces for heat wave
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are likely to experience intermittent rain with thundershowers from April 24 to 29.
The NDMA said the current weather pattern was in line with its seasonal outlook issued three to four months earlier, noting that a detailed assessment for the April-June period had already been shared.
It further urged the public to stay updated through its official mobile application, “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert”, for timely information and guidance.
