With summer around the corner, Pakistan is ready to confront three expected heat wave spells in May and June, according to warnings issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC).
The NDMA has issued a cautionary advisory pinpointing areas at high risk of severe heat, including Umarkot, Tharparkar, Tindullah Yar, Matiari, Sanghar, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan districts. Between May 15 and 30, temperatures are projected to soar, reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius.
The initial heat wave spell, expected to last two to three days, will strike first, followed by a more extended second spell towards late May, lasting four to five days. Even higher temperatures, potentially reaching 45 degrees Celsius, are predicted for June.
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The NDMA spokesperson has forewarned of a third heat wave spell likely in the first 10 days of June, persisting for 3 to 5 days.
The impact of these heat waves won’t be confined to humans but will extend to other living beings as well. The NDMA recommends taking precautionary measures before the expected spells, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, older individuals, and those with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
Heat waves can result in severe health issues, including heat strokes, cramps, and aggravation of existing health conditions. They can also contribute to chronic illnesses such as diabetes and, in extreme cases, lead to fatalities.
The nation’s past encounters with heat waves, notably the devastating one in 2022, serve as an effective reminder of the necessity for awareness and protective measures.
As Pakistan braces for the heat waves, it also readies itself for the arrival of the monsoon season, which brings its own set of challenges like flash floods and heavy rains.
Authorities urge the public to stay informed, stay safe, and take necessary precautions to ease the impact of these weather phenomena.