NDMA Alert: Three Intense Heatwaves to Hit Pakistan Soon
— May 17, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecasted that Pakistan may experience three heatwaves across various cities over the next 25 days.
The NDMA reported that the first heatwave is expected to hit Umarkot, Tharparkar, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, and Sanghar in Sindh, as well as Bahawalpur and Rahimyar Khan in South Punjab. It is predicted that this first spell will last two to three days, from May 15 to 30, with temperatures possibly rising to 40 °C, but it may feel much hotter.
According to the NDMA, the second heatwave is expected to last four to five days in late May or early June, wherein the temperature might rise up to 45 °C.
The third heatwave is predicted for the first 10 days of June, affecting Tharparkar, Umarkot, Sanghar, Badin, and Khairpur.
Additionally, Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a warning on May 8 about a significant increase in temperature, predicting a heatwave from May 8 to 10, with temperatures expected to rise by three to five degrees.
“South Punjab is likely to receive heavy rains from May 10 to 11,” stated a government official, adding that most districts of Punjab were expected to experience thunderstorms.
Irfan Kathia, the Director General of PDMA, advised the public to be cautious in light of approaching heatwaves and heavy rains, stressing that the thunderstorms might harm several crops across the province. “The district administrations across Punjab have been informed about the weather situation,” he added.