The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued an advisory warning of an intense heatwave in several parts of Pakistan through May 5.
In its warning, the National Emergencies Operation Center said Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan were expected to face severe heatwave conditions. During this period, major cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Turbat are likely to remain under extreme heat.
At the same time, central Punjab and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa may also see a sharp rise in temperatures. The advisory warns that the heatwave may increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration and other health issues. It has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink plenty of water and take precautionary measures.
The NDMA has also directed relevant departments to activate heatwave response plans, set up cooling centers and keep hospitals on alert. Provincial and district administrations have been instructed to remain vigilant to deal with any emergency.
Separately, the NDMA has said an emerging weather system may bring dust storms, gusty winds and rain to the upper and central districts of Punjab on April 24, 25 and 29. Areas such as Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan are likely to receive rainfall during this period.
In Balochistan, there is a forecast for northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar to receive rain accompanied by strong winds between April 24–25 and April 27–29. Coastal areas, including Gwadar, will likely remain hot and dry with a gradual increase in temperature.
The NDMA said Sindh would likely 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.
The forecast for KP predicts intermittent rain and strong winds in districts such as 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 24-29.