Authorities noted that temperatures in recent days have already been recorded between 2°C and 4°C above normal levels, signaling the early onset of intense summer conditions. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Thursday issued a heatwave alert across the province for the Eid holiday, warning of a significant increase in temperatures between May 25 and 31.
The federal government announced the Eid holiday from May 26 to 28, while the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) predicted intense heatwave conditions during the holiday period.
According to the Meteorological Department, an anticyclonic system is expected to develop in the upper atmosphere, leading to moderate to severe heatwave conditions across the province.
Read: Temperatures can rise up to 50°C during Eid holidays, warns PMD
“An anticyclonic system is likely to form in the upper atmosphere from May 25 and intensify from May 26, leading to moderate to severe heatwave conditions in the province,” the PDMA said.
The authority warned that temperatures in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu, Karak and Lakki Marwat are 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 are expected to be between 42°C and 45°C.
The PDMA further said that severe heatwave conditions were also likely to persist in upper districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Mansehra, Kurram and South Waziristan.
The authority has directed district administrations to take precautionary measures for protection of human lives, crops and livestock ahead of the heatwave.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., while special precautions have been recommended for the elderly and children.
Read also: Government declares May 26 and 28 public holidays for Eidul Azha
The authority also urged the public to increase their water consumption, wear loose, light-colored clothing and adopt preventive measures against heatstroke.
The PDMA said awareness campaigns were being launched to educate people about the symptoms of heatstroke, dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
The health ministry and district administrations have been directed to establish heat stroke centers, cooling points and mobile cooling stations at key locations.
1122 rescue services and firefighters have been instructed to remain on alert and prepare for possible fires in extreme weather conditions.
Farmers have been advised to carry out wheat harvest and other agricultural activities keeping in mind the weather situation and ensure protection of livestock.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, the emergency operations center remained fully operational and citizens were asked to report any emergency situations via the 1700 hotline.
