Pakistan braces for extreme heat, rain in April weather advisory

ISLAMABAD: The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has issued a series of weather alerts warning of an impending heatwave and unstable weather conditions across several regions, including a risk of high temperatures in southern parts of the country and rain-windstorms in northern parts.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said that the current weather patterns are consistent with forecasts issued three to four months earlier, while a detailed outlook for April to June has already been circulated.

A heatwave alert has been issued until May 5, with extreme temperatures expected in parts of Sindh, southern Punjab and Balochistan.

Cities including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Turbat are likely to remain under severe heat conditions.

Rising temperatures are also expected in central Punjab and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At the same time, the NEOC has forecast rain-wind and thunderstorms in upper and central Punjab on April 24, 25 and 29, including in Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan.

Most areas of southern Punjab are expected to remain hot and dry.

In Balochistan, rain with strong winds is forecast for northern districts including Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar during multiple spells between April 24 and 29. Coastal areas, including Gwadar, are expected to remain dry with gradually rising temperatures.

Sindh is likely to experience hot and dry conditions across the province, with temperatures continuing to rise. However, light rain and gusty winds are possible in Hyderabad, Badin and Mithi on April 24.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain-wind and thunderstorms are expected in districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat and Kurram during multiple spells from April 24 to 29.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are also likely to receive intermittent rain with thunderstorms during the same period.

The NDMA warned that the heatwave could increase risks of heatstroke, dehydration and other health-related issues, urging the public to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight, stay hydrated and adopt precautionary measures.

Authorities have been directed to activate heatwave response plans, establish cooling centres and ensure hospitals remain on alert.

The public has also been advised to follow official updates through the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application.

The NDMA has instructed all provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert to deal with any emerging situation.