Intense heatwave expected across Pakistan till May 5, NDMA warns
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather alert warning of an intense heatwave expected to affect multiple regions of Pakistan, including Karachi, until May 5. The authority has also cautioned that a separate weather system will bring rain, thunderstorms, dust storms, and strong winds to several parts of the country between April 24 and April 29.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the ongoing weather pattern matches earlier seasonal forecasts that predicted extreme climatic conditions. The authority has released a detailed outlook for April to June, highlighting that Sindh, southern Punjab, and parts of Balochistan will face severe heatwave conditions. Major cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, and Turbat are expected to remain under intense heat. Central Punjab and some areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also likely to experience a significant rise in temperature.
At the same time, a different weather system is expected to bring temporary relief in some regions. Rain with windstorms and thunderstorms is forecast for upper and central areas on April 24, 25, and 29. In Punjab and the Islamabad region, areas including Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Multan may receive rainfall accompanied by strong winds.
In Balochistan, northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, and Khuzdar are likely to experience rain and strong winds during two phases between April 24–25 and April 27–29, while coastal areas like Gwadar are expected to remain hot and dry with rising temperatures. Sindh will largely continue to experience hot and dry conditions, although Hyderabad, Badin, and Mithi may receive light rain and strong winds on April 24.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, intermittent rain and gusty winds are expected in districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, and Kurram during April 24–25 and April 27–29. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are also likely to experience intermittent rain and thunderstorms throughout April 24–29.
NDMA has warned that the heatwave may increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and other health complications. Citizens have been advised to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, drink plenty of water, and take precautionary measures to protect themselves from extreme heat. Authorities have been directed to activate heatwave response plans, set up cooling centres, and ensure hospitals remain on high alert, while provincial and district administrations have been instructed to stay fully prepared for any emergency.
In a separate development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a high-level inquiry into the non-functional early warning system installed in Gilgit-Baltistan for protection against glacial lake outburst floods. He expressed strong displeasure over the system’s inactivity despite earlier instructions and stressed that negligence in such critical infrastructure would not be tolerated.
Chairing a review meeting on pre-monsoon preparedness and climate risks, the prime minister directed all institutions to ensure full operational readiness ahead of the monsoon season. He emphasized that Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change and called for urgent, coordinated efforts to reduce risks. He also highlighted that illegal encroachments along riverbanks had worsened flood damage in the past and ordered preventive measures before the next rainy season. He further instructed authorities to strengthen emergency response capacity and mobilize all available resources to protect lives and property during potential flooding.
