NDMA issued high alert as severe heatwave to grip Pakistan till May 26

Islamabad (Web Desk): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high-level heatwave alert on Monday, stating that extensive parts of central and southern Pakistan are likely to face dangerously high temperatures from May 19 to 26.

The authority has initiated emergency preparedness steps aimed at protecting at-risk populations and minimizing heat-related health incidents.

The advisory indicates that intense heat is expected to persist for about three to five straight days across several districts in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. In Punjab, the affected districts include Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Sargodha, Lodhran, Khanewal, Vehari and Lahore.

In Sindh, very high temperatures are forecast for Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Naushahro Feroze, Kashmore, Tharparkar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Matiari, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Badin, Qambar Shahdadkot and Karachi, as well as surrounding areas.

The alert further points to particularly exposed regions of Balochistan, including Turbat, Sibi, Uthal, Jhal Magsi, Dera Murad Jamali, Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, Usta Muhammad, Kachhi, Lasbela and Panjgur as areas likely to experience extreme thermal conditions.

NDMA has warned that sustained exposure to such severe heat may result in dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, with children, elderly people and outdoor labourers identified as the most vulnerable groups.

It also noted that a combination of high humidity in lower Sindh and dry inland weather across Punjab and Balochistan could further increase heat stress levels.

According to the authority, the ongoing heatwave is expected to push electricity demand upward, strain healthcare services and negatively impact agriculture, livestock, and daily labour productivity.

District administrations have been directed to activate heatwave response plans, set up cooling facilities and ensure uninterrupted access to drinking water in affected areas. Citizens, meanwhile, have been advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours and maintain adequate hydration throughout the day.