Starting May 15, large parts of Pakistan are expected to experience intense heatwave conditions as a strong high-pressure system settles over the region. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an advisory forecasting a sharp rise in temperatures lasting through May 20.
Southern provinces such as Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan are likely to witness daytime temperatures that are 4 to 6 degrees Celsius higher than the seasonal norm. In contrast, areas including central and northern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir could see temperature hikes of 5 to 7 degrees above normal levels.
As a western weather system is expected to bring showers, windstorms, and potentially hail to sections of upper Pakistan, including Punjab, Kashmir, Islamabad, the Pothohar region, and portions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, by the evening of May 19, help might be on the way.
Authorities have issued health and safety advisories, encouraging the public to stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure during peak hours, and wear light-colored clothing. Children, elderly citizens, and those working outdoors are considered especially vulnerable.
Farmers have been advised to modify their schedules and safeguard livestock, particularly as rising temperatures in northern regions may accelerate glacier melt, potentially impacting river flow.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab has issued a warning to all managerial staff to exercise caution. Departments such as education, health, transport, and emergency services have been directed to make necessary arrangements, including the provision of clean drinking water and first aid facilities in public areas.
Additionally, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has circulated a heatstroke preparedness alert to hospitals and clinics, highlighting the health risks linked to prolonged exposure to extreme heat. The alert points to climate change as a major factor behind the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves across the country.
