The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a heatwave alert across the country, warning of intense weather conditions in the coming days.
According to NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre, the current weather situation is in line with forecasts issued three to four months earlier. A detailed seasonal outlook for April to June had already been shared.
The authority has warned that a severe heatwave is likely to affect various parts of the country until May 5. Sindh, southern Punjab, and parts of Balochistan are expected to face extreme temperatures.
Cities including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Turbat are likely to experience a significant rise in temperature. Central Punjab and some areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may also see increased heat intensity.
NDMA also released a weather outlook for April 24 to 29, predicting dust storms and rain with thunderstorms in upper and central Punjab. Rain is expected in areas including Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan, while southern Punjab is expected to remain hot and dry.
In Balochistan, northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar may receive rain with strong winds, whereas coastal areas including Gwadar are expected to remain hot and dry.
Sindh is likely to experience hot and dry weather overall, although light rain and strong winds are expected in Hyderabad, Badin and Mithi on April 24.
Several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also likely to receive rain with thunderstorms between April 24–25 and April 27–29, while Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir may see intermittent rainfall.
NDMA has warned that the intense heat could lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and other health issues, urging citizens to take precautionary measures. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight, stay hydrated, and follow safety guidelines.
The authority has also directed relevant departments to activate heatwave response plans, establish cooling centres, and keep hospitals on high alert. Citizens have been advised to stay updated through official apps and alerts.
