NDMA issues heatwave alert till May 5, rain and thunderstorms also expected in parts of country

Islamabad (Web Desk): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), has issued a countrywide warning on Thursday about an intense heatwave expected to persist in several areas until May 5, while also forecasting rain, thunderstorms and strong winds in different parts of the country from April 24 to 29.

The authority has called on both officials and the public to take necessary precautions and activate relevant safety measures.

According to NDMA, the prevailing weather situation is in line with its earlier seasonal forecast issued months in advance, adding that a comprehensive outlook for the April to June period has already been circulated.

The advisory highlights that Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan will likely experience severe heatwave conditions. Major urban centres such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Turbat are expected to remain under extreme heat stress. Temperatures are also projected to rise significantly in central Punjab as well as some regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At the same time, a separate weather system is likely to bring dust storms, strong winds and rainfall to various districts of Punjab on April 24, 25 and 29. Cities and areas including Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan are expected to receive rain during this period.

In Balochistan, northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar may see rain accompanied by gusty winds between April 24–25 and again from April 27–29. Meanwhile, coastal regions including Gwadar are forecast to remain hot and dry with temperatures gradually increasing.

Sindh is expected to stay largely hot and dry overall, with a continuous rise in temperatures. However, Hyderabad, Badin and Mithi could experience light rainfall along with strong winds on April 24.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also likely to witness intermittent rainfall and strong winds across several districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat and Kurram during April 24–25 and again from April 27–29.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are expected to receive scattered rain with thunderstorms throughout the period from April 24 to 29.

NDMA has cautioned that the ongoing heatwave may lead to increased cases of heatstroke, dehydration and other heat-related health complications. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight, stay well hydrated and adopt precautionary safety measures.

Relevant departments have been instructed to activate heatwave response plans, establish cooling centres and ensure hospitals remain on high alert. Provincial and district administrations have also been directed to stay vigilant and prepared for any emergency situation.

The public has further been urged to stay informed through the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application for timely updates and guidance.