PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a province-wide heatwave alert during the upcoming Eid holidays, warning of a significant rise in temperatures from May 25 to May 31.
According to the Meteorological Department, a high-pressure system is expected to develop in the upper atmosphere from May 25, intensifying further from May 26, leading to moderate to severe heatwave conditions across the province.
PDMA said temperatures in districts including Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu, Karak, and Lakki Marwat are expected to remain 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal, potentially reaching 47°C to 50°C.
In other areas such as Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Haripur, Mohmand, Bajaur, Khyber, Hangu, North Waziristan, and Kohat, temperatures may rise to 42°C to 45°C.
Upper districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Mansehra, Kurram, and South Waziristan are also expected to experience persistent hot weather conditions.
The PDMA has directed district administrations to ensure preventive measures to protect human lives, crops, and livestock.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and to take special precautions for children and the elderly.
Authorities have also urged the public to stay hydrated, wear light-colored loose clothing, and adopt preventive measures against heatstroke and dehydration.
An awareness campaign will be launched to educate people about symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Health departments and district administrations have been instructed to establish heatstroke centers, cooling points, and mobile cooling stations at key locations.
Rescue Rescue 1122 and fire services have been placed on high alert to respond to possible fire incidents.
Farmers have been advised to plan wheat harvesting and other agricultural activities according to weather conditions and ensure livestock safety.
More read, PMD forecast: Hot and humid weather to continue today
PDMA’s Emergency Operations Center remains fully active, and citizens have been advised to report emergencies via helpline 1700.
