NDMA Issues Heatwave Alert for Pakistan

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert regarding an impending heatwave set to affect most regions of Pakistan, commencing on Tuesday and lasting until April 27, Sunday.

The NDMA indicated that arid and warm weather conditions are expected across a large portion of the nation during this timeframe.

Balochistan and Sindh are projected to experience considerably elevated temperatures throughout the week. Hot conditions are also anticipated in the majority of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir.

The NDMA’s forecast includes the chance of scattered rainfall in sections of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, alongside certain districts within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, potentially offering some relief from the heat.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) stated that Jacobabad recorded the country’s highest temperature at 43 degrees Celsius in the past 24 hours. Mithi, Bahawalnagar, and Nawabshah registered 42°C, while Karachi, Kasur, and Lasbela reached 41°C.

Lahore saw temperatures of 38°C, Islamabad 36°C, Peshawar 35°C, Muzaffarabad 33°C, Quetta 25°C, and Gilgit 22°C.

Karachi is also bracing for the heatwave, with hot and dry conditions predicted for the next 24 hours. The weather forecast suggests the maximum temperature in the city will fluctuate between 39 and 41°C. The recorded minimum temperature was 24°C.

The PMD noted the current humidity level in Karachi’s air is 60%, with light southerly winds prevailing.

A gradual decrease in temperature is anticipated in Karachi from Thursday, with the expected return of sea breezes.

The NDMA has urged the public to maintain adequate hydration and exercise necessary precautions during the heatwave. Health professionals advise against unnecessary sun exposure, particularly between 11 am and 4 pm.