Sindh is likely to remain hot and dry overall, with temperatures continuing to rise
ISLAMABAD:
The country is bracing for its first heat wave of the season, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warning that temperatures in much of the country will rise well above seasonal norms from Friday (today) and persist until May 5.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), issued a nationwide alert on Thursday warning of an intense heat wave in several regions until May 5, along with forecasts of rain, windstorms and thunderstorms in parts of the country between April 24 and 29. The NDMA urged authorities and citizens to activate response measures and take precautionary measures.
The NDMA said the current weather pattern is consistent with its seasonal forecast issued three to four months earlier, noting that a detailed assessment for the April to June period has already been shared.
According to the advisory, Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan are expected to face severe heat wave 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 experience a sharp rise in temperatures. At the same time, 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 like Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan are likely to receive rains.
In Balochistan, northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar are forecast to receive rains accompanied by strong winds between April 24-25 and April 27-29. 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 witness 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 to 29.
The NDMA warned that the heat wave could increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration and other health problems. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink plenty of water and take precautionary measures.
The authority has ordered relevant departments to activate heat wave response plans, set up cooling centers and keep hospitals on alert.
Provincial and district administrations have also been ordered 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.
