Sindh is likely to remain hot and dry overall, with temperatures continuing to rise
ISLAMABAD:
The country is bracing for its first heatwave of the season, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warning that temperatures in large parts of the country will rise well above seasonal norms from Friday (today) and continue till May 5.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday, through its National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC), issued a nationwide warning of an intense heat wave in several regions until May 5, along with forecasts of rain, wind and thunderstorms in parts of the country between April 24 and 29. The NDMA urged the authorities to take steps to respond and take pre-emptive action.
The NDMA said the current weather pattern is in line with its seasonal outlook issued three to four months earlier, noting that a detailed assessment for the April-June period has already been shared.
According to the notification, 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. Meanwhile, a weather system is 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, Gujrat, Gujranbad Mulha, G La Fazi, G La Fazi, G. to receive rainfall.
In Balochistan, the northern districts like Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar are expected to receive rain accompanied by strong winds between 24-25. April and 27-29 April. Coastal areas, including Gwadar, are expected to remain hot and dry with a gradual rise 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 experience 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 thundershowers from April 24 to 29.
The NDMA warned that the heat wave could increase the risk of heat stroke, dehydration and other health problems. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink plenty of water and take precautions.
The authority has instructed relevant departments to activate heat wave preparedness plans, set up cooling centers and keep hospitals on alert.
Provincial and district administrations have also been instructed to remain alert 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.
