Severe Heatwave Expected in Karachi and Other Parts of Pakistan Until May 5: NDMA
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert warning of a severe heatwave affecting Karachi and several other regions of Pakistan until May 5.
The warning was issued through the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), which advised authorities to activate emergency response plans and urged citizens to take precautionary measures to reduce health risks.
Weather Outlook and Conditions
According to the advisory, the ongoing weather pattern is part of a broader seasonal trend expected to bring extreme climatic conditions in the coming weeks.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has also forecast dust storms, windstorms, and rainfall in several areas between April 24 and 29.
Areas Expected to Be Affected
The NDMA said that Sindh, southern Punjab, and parts of Balochistan are likely to experience intense heatwave conditions. Major cities expected to be affected include:
Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, and Turbat.
Central Punjab and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may also experience rising temperatures.
Rain and Wind Forecast
A separate weather system is expected to bring rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to several regions, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and surrounding districts during April 24–29.
In Balochistan, areas such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, and Khuzdar may also receive rain with strong winds, while coastal regions are expected to remain hot and dry.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are likely to experience intermittent rain and thunderstorms during the same period.
Health Advisory Issued
The NDMA has warned that the heatwave may increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and other health-related complications.
Citizens have been advised to:
- Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours
- Increase water intake
- Follow safety precautions to reduce heat exposure
Authorities have also been directed to establish cooling centers and ensure hospitals remain on high alert.
PM Orders Inquiry Into Non-Functional Early Warning System
In a separate development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a high-level inquiry into a non-operational early warning system installed in Gilgit-Baltistan for protection against glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
Chairing a review meeting on climate preparedness, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the system’s inactivity despite earlier instructions for its activation.
He directed all relevant institutions to improve coordination and ensure full operational readiness of early warning systems ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.
The Prime Minister also stressed that Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to climate change impacts and called for urgent and coordinated action to reduce risks.
He further instructed authorities to remove encroachments along riverbanks and improve flood management systems to minimize damage during heavy rains.
