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- Disaster management authority says temperatures may rise to 42 - 45°C range in several cities from May 25-31
- Heatwaves in Pakistan have been deadly in the past, with one in 2015 killing around 2,000 people in Karachi alone
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's eastern Punjab province warned on Thursday that "moderate to severe" heatwave conditions are likely in several cities during the Eid Al-Adha holidays, warning the general public to remain cautious.
Pakistan has frequently faced extreme weather events in recent years, including heatwaves, floods and droughts. The South Asian country is recognized as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change impacts.
In its latest advisory issued on Thursday, the PDMA cited the Met Office as saying that a high pressure is likely to develop in the upper atmosphere on May 25 and is likely to strengthen on May 26.
"Under the influence of this system, moderate to severe heatwave conditions are likely to develop over the province from 25th to 31st May," the PDMA advisory said.
It warned that maximum temperatures are likely to remain 05-07 °C above normal and may rise to the 42 - 45°C range in the Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Kasur and Faisalabad districts.
It said maximum temperatures are likely to remain in the 04-06 °C above normal and may rise to 47 °C in Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Joharabad and other districts during the period.
"Due to heatwave condition, general public especially children, women and senior citizens are advised to be extra cautious," the advisory warned. "Farmers are advised to manage their crop activities keeping in view the weather conditions and take care of their livestock as well."
It advised the general public to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and remain hydrated. The PDMA directed district administrations to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information on safety measures and evacuation plans through electronic and social media platforms.
Pakistan experiences heatwaves every year typically in May and June. Past heatwaves in the country have killed hundreds of people.
In June 2024, nearly 700 people died in less than a week during a severe heatwave in the country, with most fatalities reported in the port city of Karachi and other parts of the southern Sindh province.
A similar heatwave in 2015 claimed over 2,000 lives in Karachi alone, while catastrophic floods in 2022 left more than 1,700 people dead and displaced over 33 million across the country.