The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday issued a high level heatwave alert warning that large parts of southern and central Pakistan are likely to experience dangerously high temperatures from May 19 to 26, prompting authorities to activate emergency response measures to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the risk of heat related emergencies.
According to the alert, temperatures are expected to remain exceptionally high for three to five consecutive days across several districts of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.
In Punjab, the districts likely to be affected include Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Sargodha, Lodhran, Khanewal, Vehari and Lahore.
Sindh is expected to face severe heat conditions in Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Naushahro Feroze, Kashmore, Tharparkar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Matiari, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Badin, Qambar Shahdadkot and Karachi along with adjoining areas.
The alert also identified exposed regions of Balochistan, including Turbat, Sibi, Uthal, Jhal Magsi, Dera Murad Jamali, Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, Usta Muhammad, Kachhi, Lasbela and Panjgur, as vulnerable to extreme heat conditions.
NDMA warned that prolonged exposure to intense heat could lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke, particularly among children, elderly citizens and outdoor workers.
It added that rising humidity in lower Sindh and dry inland conditions in Punjab and Balochistan could further intensify thermal stress.
The authority said the heatwave may also increase electricity demand, strain healthcare systems and adversely affect agriculture, livestock and labour productivity.
District administrations have been directed to activate heatwave contingency plans, establish cooling camps and ensure uninterrupted water supply in vulnerable areas, while citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours and stay hydrated.
The intensity of heat in the city continues to rise steadily as extreme temperatures were recorded in Lahore, where the mercury reached 43 degrees Celsius on the previous day, officials reported.
According to the Meteorological Department, extremely hot weather conditions are expected to persist throughout the day today as well, with the maximum temperature likely to remain around 43 degrees Celsius. The heatwave is expected to continue across Lahore and other parts of Punjab for the next several days.
The weather department has further forecast that after May 19, there is a possibility of winds during the night hours along with light rainfall in some areas, which may bring a slight reduction in the ongoing heat intensity.
Authorities have also advised citizens to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the severe heat, urging people to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight, stay hydrated, and follow safety guidelines during the ongoing heatwave conditions.
However, dust-thunderstorm and rain from is predicted from May 19 till May 23 with occasional gaps in upper parts of the country, bringing temporary relief from the prevailing very hot weather conditions in northern areas.
While southern and central regions are likely to continue experiencing intense heat.
According to the Met Office, a westerly wave entered the northwestern parts of the country on Monday night is likely to persist in upper parts till May 23.
Under the influence of this weather system, dust-thunderstorm/rain accompanied by isolated hailstorms is expected in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Peshawar, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, Khyber, Kohat, Kurram, Hangu, Waziristan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Karak from May 19 to May 23 with occasional gaps.
In Punjab and Islamabad, dust-thunderstorm/rain is expected in Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Joharabad, Bhakkar, Layyah, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot and Narowal during the forecast period.
Similarly, rain-wind/thunderstorm activity is likely in Gilgit-Baltistan districts including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar, while various areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur are also expected to receive rain with gusty winds and thunderstorms till May 23 with occasional gaps.
The PMD warned that windstorms and lightning may damage weak structures including electric poles, billboards and solar panels during the forecast period.
It further cautioned that moderate to isolated heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir during the coming days.
Farmers have been advised to manage their agricultural activities in accordance with the dust storm and rainfall prediction.
Tourists and travelers were urged to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travelling during the forecast period due to possible adverse weather conditions in hilly and vulnerable areas.
The Met Office said very hot weather is likely to continue in southern parts of the country in the coming days despite temporary relief in upper regions.
It advised all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.