The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that Pakistan may experience a more intense summer this year, with temperatures in some areas likely to reach 50°C during May and June.
The NDMA has issued a heatwave alert and started training relevant institutions to prepare for extreme weather conditions.
According to the NDMA, the first spell of heat in the first week of May was only a “trailer,” while a stronger heatwave is expected in the coming days.
The authority said upper Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan are likely to remain in the grip of intense heat. Rawalpindi and Islamabad are also expected to see a rise in temperatures.
Temperatures may touch 50°C
The NDMA warned citizens that temperatures in May and June may reach “half a century,” or around 50°C, in some areas. Officials said this year’s heat is expected to be unusually intense compared with last year.
The authority stressed that advance planning is needed to reduce the impact of the heatwave on the public.
Sensitive areas being trained
NDMA representative Zahra Hassan said central Punjab, southern Punjab, some parts of Balochistan and upper Sindh would face high temperatures.
She said the rise in heat would also affect Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Another NDMA representative, Huda Kamal, said district institutions and communities in sensitive areas including Panjgur, Karachi, Mithi and Tharparkar are being trained to deal with heatwave conditions.
The NDMA said the main purpose of issuing heatwave alerts is to help the administration and relevant departments make necessary arrangements in advance.
Officials said immediate awareness campaigns are needed to protect people from the effects of extreme heat. The authority is also working to prepare institutions responsible for emergency response and public safety.
Rain likely in Islamabad, KP
The Meteorological Department said partly cloudy weather is expected in Islamabad, with rain likely today.
Rain is also expected in Peshawar, Mardan, Dir, Chitral, Malakand, Kohistan, Buner, Nowshera, Swat, Malam Jabba, Kalam, Kurram, Karak and Kohat. Showers are also likely in Battabad, Haripur, Mansehra, Swabi, Charsadda and Bajaur.
The Met Office said hail is possible in the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities have advised residents in affected areas to remain cautious during changing weather conditions.
Punjab to remain mostly hot and dry
Most districts of Punjab are expected to experience hot and dry weather. However, rain is likely in Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum. Rain is also expected in Faisalabad, Lahore, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujarat, Sargodha and Sialkot.
Most districts of Sindh are expected to remain extremely hot and dry. In Karachi, the temperature is likely to stay between 34°C and 36°C, according to the Meteorological Department.
The weather is also expected to remain extremely hot in the southern districts of Balochistan.
