ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has issued an urgent heatwave alert in response to soaring temperatures across the province. The directive mandates that all public and private educational institutions postpone outdoor activities and ensure the availability of first aid kits on school premises.
Severe Heatwave Conditions Forecasted
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that temperatures will remain 4 to 7 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average over the next four days. Southern regions, including Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan, are expected to experience severe heatwave conditions, while central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan may see temperatures 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal.
The PMD also forecasts dust-raising and gusty winds in central and southern districts of Punjab, with similar conditions anticipated in Sindh and Balochistan. In Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, hot and dry weather is expected, accompanied by partly cloudy conditions in the afternoon.
Government Measures to Mitigate Heatwave Impact
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has advised district administrations to launch public awareness campaigns through various media platforms, including print, electronic, and social media, to educate the public about heatwave risks. Additionally, the Health Department has been instructed to set up heatwave counters at hospitals and ensure the availability of essential medicines for initial treatment. Mobile health units and permanent medical camps are also to be established in public spaces to assist citizens during extreme heat conditions.
Public Advisory and Safety Measures
Authorities urge the public to take necessary precautions, including avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), staying hydrated, and limiting outdoor activities. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable and should take extra care. Citizens are also advised to cover their heads when outdoors and to consume plenty of fluids to stay safe during extreme heat conditions.
The government emphasizes the importance of community cooperation in implementing these measures to ensure public safety during the ongoing heatwave.
