ISLAMABAD: Citizens across Pakistan should prepare for extremely hot and humid conditions during Eidul Azha, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a national heatwave alert.
A high-pressure weather system is expected to build over the country from June 7, causing temperatures to rise significantly across multiple regions.
According to the PMD advisory, central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan will face temperatures 5 to 7°C above normal between June 7 and 12.
Meanwhile, areas in upper and central Sindh, southern Punjab, and parts of Balochistan are likely to experience daytime temperatures 4 to 6°C higher than usual.
The extreme heat may also cause dust storms and gusty winds in the plains, increasing the risk of heat-related incidents.
Public Urged to Stay Cautious
The PMD has advised people, especially vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and women, to avoid direct sunlight during the day and maintain hydration.
Farmers are urged to align their agricultural activities with the updated weather forecast. Rising temperatures in northern regions may accelerate the rate of snowmelt, potentially increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods.
The advisory comes a day after PMD officials informed a high-level meeting that temperatures in Gilgit-Baltistan were already above seasonal averages.
The meeting, aimed at flood preparedness, warned of frequent glacial melting and potential monsoon-related hazards in the coming weeks.
Rainfall Patterns and Health Risks
According to the same briefing, higher-than-normal rainfall is expected during the July–September period across central and southern Pakistan.
Regions such as northeastern Punjab, Azad Kashmir, and parts of KP and GB could witness excessive rainfall, raising the likelihood of severe weather events like thunderstorms and hailstorms.
Separately, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has raised concerns about Pakistan’s limited capacity to manage heat-related illnesses, particularly in rural areas.
It emphasized the urgent need for public health institutions to be prepared, citing the rising impact of climate change on health outcomes.
