WEBDESK: The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a heatwave alert Pakistan, warning of an intense rise in temperatures across major cities and plains of the province including Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Gujaranwala from April 26 to May 1.
Heatwave Alert Pakistan
Relief Commissioner Punjab, Nabeel Javed, has directed all divisional and deputy commissioners across the province to remain on high alert. He emphasized that all relevant departments must be fully prepared in response to the heatwave alert Pakistan.
PDMA has sent alerts to the School Education Department, Health, Transport, Local Government, Rescue 1122, and other concerned institutions, advising them to take preventive measures to protect citizens from heat-related illnesses.
According to the PDMA spokesperson, daytime temperatures are expected to rise 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal in the coming days. Citizens are advised to follow all safety guidelines under the ongoing heatwave alert Pakistan.
Director General PDMA, Irfan Ali Kathia, said that, on the directions of the Chief Minister of Punjab, district administrations have been asked to ensure the availability of clean drinking water at public places. Hospitals and mobile health units are instructed to provide first aid for heatstroke cases.
He also urged people to avoid going out during peak afternoon hours, wear light-colored clothing, cover their heads when outdoors, and take special care of children and the elderly. Non-essential travel should be avoided during the heatwave.
Pakistan also experienced heatwave alerts before in both Punjab and Sindh. Authorities had issued similar warnings due to rising temperatures and health concerns.
Heatwave Warning Islamabad
Islamabad is also experiencing extreme heat as part of the ongoing heatwave alert Pakistan. Similar to Punjab, the capital city has recorded unusually high temperatures, prompting authorities to issue warnings for residents.
Punjab Heatwave: How Hot Is It Today?
Have a look on today’s temperature in some of the major cities of Punjab:
| City | Current Temperature | High / Low (°C) | Weather Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lahore | 41°C | 42°C / 20°C | Hazy sunshine |
| Faisalabad | 40°C | 44°C / 21°C | Mostly sunny |
| Multan | 40°C | 44°C / 23°C | Partly sunny |
| Rawalpindi | 46°C | 47°C / 21°C | Hazy sunshine |
| Gujranwala | 39°C | 44°C / 21°C | Hazy sunshine |
| Sialkot | 39°C | 45°C / 20°C | Sunny |
| Bahawalpur | 46°C | 46°C / 22°C | Hazy sunshine |
| Sargodha | 43°C | 43°C / 21°C | Sunny |
| Rahim Yar Khan | 42°C | 46°C / 23°C | Sunny |
| Sheikhupura | 45°C | 46°C / 21°C | Hazy sunshine |
Heatwave Safety Tips
People need to avoid public outings during high sun hours because this reduces their safety. Wear pale clothing which fits loosely around your body and protect your head whenever you need to leave your home. Hydration protection will be achieved by drinking water throughout the day but avoiding both caffeinated and sugared liquids during this time. The population group who needs most care consists of children and elderly people together with individuals who suffer from medical issues because these groups experience higher heatstroke risks.
In case of emergency, citizens can contact the PDMA Helpline at 1129 or Rescue 1122 for assistance.
Heatwave Health Risks:
The exposure to high temperatures during heatwaves leads to dangerous health conditions which may even become fatal. The current heatwave alert in Pakistan causes medical professionals to warn about heat exhaustion and heatstroke which can be fatal unless patients receive immediate treatment.
The primary indicators of heat-related conditions include dizziness combined with headache while high fever, nausea and dry skin occur frequently too. Persons with persistent illnesses, older people together with children and those who spend time outside are at greater health risks.
