Islamabad/Lahore:
As the sun struck relentlessly over most parts of the country on Friday, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) sounded the alarm and issued a heat wave alarm with temperatures expected to rise from April 26 to April 30.
The sweltering spell, driven by a high -pressure system that settles in the upper atmosphere, is likely to turn up the heat nationwide.
The weather system is expected to develop on April 26 and seize most parts of the country before April 27, causing an increase in day temperatures.
Day temperatures are expected to remain 5-7 ° C above normal in the southern regions, including Sindh, southern Punjab and Balochistan, from April 26 to May 1.
Meanwhile, areas of the upper half of the land-central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to experience temperatures 4-6 C over normal from April 27 to April 30.
Relief is expected from May 1, as a new weather system can bring rain, thunderstorms and hailstorms to parts of Kashmir, Islamabad, Pothohar region, Northeast Punjab, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan from April 30.
The public, especially children, women and the elderly, are advised to avoid direct sunlight during the day and remain well hydrated to prevent hot -related diseases.
Farmers must plan their wheat harvest activities accordingly and take measures to protect their livestock. Rising temperatures in the northern areas can also accelerate the snowmobile speed, especially between April 27 and May 1.
Citizens are encouraged to use water wisely across all sectors. In addition, strong winds, dust storms and lightning can pose risks of structures such as electric poles, trees, vehicles and solar panels on April 30 and May 1.
Authorities have been asked to stay aware and take all the necessary precautions to minimize the risks associated with the heat wave.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had issued a warning on Friday, predicting unstable weather conditions across several regions in Pakistan from 1 to 7 May.
According to NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Center (Neoc), heavy rain, wind storms, thunderstorms, lightning and isolated hailstorms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Upper and Central Punjab, Northern Balochistan and Southern Sind.
NDMA had attributed to the adverse weather for moisture flow from Eastern Regions and the Arab Sea combined with rising temperatures and humidity. The authority had warned that low -lying areas in the affected regions could meet water counting, while hilly areas were in danger of landslide.
The authorities had advised relevant departments and the public to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions. NDMA had also called on citizens to stay up to date through Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for real-time weather warnings and advisers, especially before traveling.
The disaster management body had assured that it closely monitored the situation through Neoc in coordination with provincial and district authorities to ensure a quick response and public security.
Citizens were reminded to follow official guidelines to minimize risks during the serious weather form. (With input from app)
