Authorities noted that temperatures between 2°C and 4°C above normal levels have already been recorded in recent days, indicating an early onset of intense summer conditions. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Thursday issued a province-wide heat wave alert for the Eid holidays, warning of a significant rise in temperatures between May 25 and 31.
The federal government announced Eid holidays from May 26 to 28, while the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) predicted intense heat waves during the festive period.
According to the Meteorological Department, a high pressure system is expected to develop in the upper atmosphere, causing moderate to severe heat waves across the province.
Read: Temperatures can reach 50°C during Eid festivities, PMD warns
“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 heat wave conditions in the province,” the 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 to between 47°C and 50°C.
In Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Haripur, Mohmand, Bajaur, Khyber, Hangu, North Waziristan and Kohat, temperatures were forecast to range between 42°C and 45°C.
The PDMA further said that severe heat wave conditions are also likely to persist in upper districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Mansehra, Kurram and South Waziristan.
The authority directed district administrations to ensure precautionary measures to protect human lives, crops and livestock ahead of the heat wave.
Citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., while special precautions were recommended for the elderly and children.
Read also: Government declares holiday from May 26 to 28 for Eidul Azha
The authority also urged the population to increase water consumption, wear loose and light-colored clothing and adopt preventive measures against heat stroke.
The PDMA said awareness campaigns were being launched to inform people about the symptoms of heat stroke, dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
The Health Department and district administrations were directed to set up heat stroke centres, cooling points and mobile cooling stations at key locations.
The 1122 rescue and fire departments were instructed to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness for possible fire incidents during the extreme weather conditions.
Farmers were advised to carry out wheat harvesting and other agricultural activities taking into account the weather situation and ensuring protection of livestock.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, the Emergency Operations Center remained fully operational and citizens were asked to report any emergency situation through the 1700 helpline.
