Sindh is likely to remain hot and dry overall, with temperatures continuing to rise.
ISLAMABAD:
The country is bracing for its first heatwave of the season, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warning that temperatures in much of the country will climb well above seasonal norms starting Friday (today) and persist until May 5.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), on Thursday issued a national warning alert for intense heatwave in several areas until May 5, as well as forecast rain, windstorms and thunderstorms in parts of the country between April 24 and 29.
The NDMA said current weather conditions are consistent with its seasonal outlook issued three to four months earlier, and noted 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 likely to face severe heatwaves. Major cities including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Turbat are likely to continue to face extreme heat.
Meanwhile, central Punjab and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may also witness a sharp rise in temperatures. Meanwhile, a weather system is expected to bring dust storms, gusty winds and rain to 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 expected to receive rainfall.
In Balochistan, northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar are expected 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 increase in temperatures.
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 experience intermittent rains and strong winds in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat and Kurram districts from April 24-25 and April 27-29.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are likely to experience intermittent rains with thunderstorms from April 24 to 29.
The NDMA warned that the heatwave 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 asked relevant departments to activate heatwave response plans, set up cooling centers and keep hospitals on alert.
Provincial and district administrations have also been instructed to remain vigilant to deal with any emergency.
The NDMA further urged the public to stay informed through its official mobile application, ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’, for timely information and advice.
