LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned of a severe heatwave across Punjab during the Eidul Azha holidays, with temperatures expected to remain up to seven degrees Celsius above normal in several districts and touch as high as 50°C in southern parts of the province.
According to authority’s advisory available with Dawn, the heatwave is likely to persist from May 25 to May 31 under the influence of a high-pressure weather system forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The advisory stated that temperatures in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot and other central and northern districts may rise between 42°C and 45°C, while southern districts, including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur and Sargodha, could experience temperatures ranging from 47°C to 50°C.
The authority also warned that night-time temperatures were likely to remain unusually high during the forecast period, increasing health risks for vulnerable groups, particularly children, elderly citizens and outdoor workers.
A spokesperson for the PDMA said the prevailing weather conditions could adversely affect public health, agriculture, water availability and routine socio-economic activities across the province.
The district administrations were instructed to ensure the availability of safe drinking water, oral rehydration salts (ORS), shaded resting areas, fans and first-aid facilities at public places. Mobile heat relief units and emergency response teams have also been ordered to remain operational in livestock markets and busy commercial centres during Eid days.
The PDMA directed the district authorities to activate district emergency operations centres round the clock and appoint emergency coordinators to oversee response activities. Religious leaders, market associations and social media activists have also been asked to assist in spreading awareness about heatstroke prevention measures.IMRAN GABOL