LAHORE: The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a heatwave alert for several districts across Punjab, which will remain in effect until May 11.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said dry weather conditions across the province are further strengthening the heat, with temperatures continuing to rise. It added that hot and dry weather is expected to persist over the next 24 hours.
According to the Met Office, Lahore may see a minimum temperature of 27°C, while the maximum could reach up to 40°C.
As a result of the intense heat, the use of air conditioners and air coolers has increased in homes and offices, while people are also taking precautionary steps due to the possibility of a heatwave.
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PDMA has also issued another weather advisory warning of dust storms and rain expected in the upper parts of Punjab from the evening of May 10 to the night of May 12, with intermittent breaks.
The Met Office said a fresh westerly wave is likely to enter northwestern parts of the country on May 10 and may continue until May 12.
Dust storms and rain are expected in areas including Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Joharabad, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Narowal. However, “very hot weather conditions are expected to continue in the southern parts of Punjab”.
Authorities have advised citizens to avoid direct sun exposure, drink plenty of water, and take necessary precautions.
Earlier in the week, PMD issued a weekly outlook warning of a continued heatwave across several parts of the country from May 6 to 12. Most plain areas are expected to remain hot and dry during this period.
The Met Office also stated that daytime temperatures in central and southern regions are likely to stay significantly above normal, with some areas recording 2°C to 6°C above average.
It further said southern Punjab, Sindh, and parts of Balochistan will remain among the most affected regions, where severe heat conditions are expected to continue during the day. PMD added that the heatwave is likely to persist throughout the forecast period with no immediate relief expected.
Earlier, Karachi experienced its hottest day since 2018, with temperatures crossing 44°C. The highest reading was recorded at the Old Airport Weather Station at 44.1°C. Due to extreme heat, at least ten bodies were recovered from different parts of the city.
Chhipa Foundation spokesperson Shahid Chaudhry said four of the deceased were found in critical condition and died during treatment, while six bodies were recovered from homes, mosques, and other locations across Karachi.