Islamabad: The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide alert warning of a strengthening heatwave expected to persist until May 26.
According to the advisory, most parts of the country will experience a sharp rise in temperatures, while some northern regions may also receive rainfall accompanied by potentially hazardous weather conditions.
The forecast indicates that areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan are likely to receive rain within the next 12 to 24 hours. Light to moderate showers are also expected in the Potohar region, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum.
Meanwhile, southern and central regions are expected to face severe heat conditions. Temperatures in Sindh, southern Punjab, and eastern Balochistan may rise above 42°C in the coming days, raising concerns of a strong heatwave.
In Punjab, districts including Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Sargodha, Lodhran, Khanewal, Vehari, and Lahore are expected to remain under extreme heat conditions.
Similarly, Sindh districts such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, and Badin are likely to experience persistent hot weather. In Balochistan, regions including Turbat, Sibi, Lasbela, Jaffarabad, and Nasirabad will also remain affected by intense heat.
NDMA stated that the situation is in line with ongoing weather patterns and warned that rising temperatures could lead to health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and patients.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, stay hydrated, and take extra care during peak heat hours.
The authority also warned that rising temperatures in northern areas may trigger glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and landslides in mountainous regions.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to remain cautious, avoid risky locations, and follow instructions from local authorities.
NDMA further advised the public to stay connected with official alert systems for timely updates and to take immediate safety measures in case of emergencies.
