Officials noted that temperatures in recent days have already been recorded 2°C to 4°C above normal levels, signaling an early onset of intense summer conditions. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Thursday issued a heat wave alert across the province for the Eid holiday, warning of a significant rise in temperatures between May 25 and May 31.
The federal government announced Eid holiday from May 26 to 28, while the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) predicted intense heat wave conditions during the holiday period.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, a high pressure system is expected to develop in the upper atmosphere, resulting in moderate to severe heat wave conditions across the province.
Read: Temperatures may rise to 50°C during Eid holidays, warns PMD
“A high pressure system is likely to form in the upper atmosphere from May 25 and intensify from May 26 leading to moderate to severe heatwave conditions in the province,” PDMA said.
The authority warned that temperatures in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu, Karak and Lakki Marwat were expected to remain four to six degrees Celsius above normal and could rise between 47°C and 50°C.
In Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Haripur, Mohmand, Bajaur, Khyber, Hangu, North Waziristan and Kohat, temperatures between 42°C and 45°C were forecast.
The PDMA further said that severe heat wave conditions are also likely to continue in the upper districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Mansehra, Kurram and South Waziristan.
The authority directed the district administrations to ensure precautions for the protection of human life, crops and livestock ahead of the heat wave.
Citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10:00 and 17:00, while special precautions were recommended for elderly people and children.
Also read: Government declares 26-28 May holidays for Eidul Azha
The authority also urged the public to increase water intake, wear loose and light-colored clothing and take preventive measures against heat stroke.
The PDMA said awareness campaigns were launched to inform people about symptoms of heat stroke, dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
The health department and district administrations were directed to establish heat stroke centres, cooling points and mobile cooling stations at key locations.
Rescue 1122 and the fire service were instructed to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness for possible fire incidents in the extreme weather conditions.
The farmers were advised to carry out wheat harvesting and other agricultural activities while observing the weather situation and ensuring the protection of the livestock.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, the emergency operations center remained fully operational and citizens were asked to report any emergency through the 1700 helpline.
