ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a nationwide heatwave alert ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha holidays, warning of high temperatures expected to persist through mid-June.
According to the latest forecast, temperatures in the northern regions of the country are projected to remain 7°C above the seasonal average until June 12, while southern parts are likely to see temperatures rising 4 to 6°C above normal levels. The alert covers major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, and surrounding rural areas.
The PMD has advised citizens to take extra precautions, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and women, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
“People are urged to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, stay indoors during peak hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and heatstroke,” the advisory stated.
Hospitals across the country have been placed on alert, and local authorities have been instructed to prepare emergency cooling centres in high-risk urban zones. Health officials have also urged people with existing conditions like hypertension, asthma, or diabetes to monitor their health closely and consult doctors if symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or fainting occur.
Beyond public health, the PMD also raised concerns over glacier melt acceleration in the northern mountainous regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. The department warned that the intense heat could lead to a rapid melting of glaciers
As families across Pakistan prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, which involves outdoor gatherings and livestock handling, the extreme temperatures pose additional risks. Authorities have advised citizens to limit outdoor activities, especially during peak heat hours, and to ensure proper care of sacrificial animals, which can also be affected by the heat.
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