The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a comprehensive alert warning of a severe heatwave expected to impact Karachi and several other parts of the country until May 5. Through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the NDMA urged authorities to implement emergency response plans and advised the public to take necessary precautions to reduce health and environmental risks.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms in certain areas between April 24 and 29. The current weather pattern aligns with the NDMA’s seasonal outlook released three to four months ago, which predicted a period of climatic extremes. A detailed assessment covering expected weather conditions from April to June has also been published.
The alert specifies that Sindh, southern Punjab, and parts of Balochistan are likely to face intense heatwave conditions. Major urban centers such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, and Turbat are expected to endure extreme temperatures. Central Punjab and some areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also forecast to experience significant temperature increases.
In a related development, a separate weather system is predicted to bring dust storms, gusty winds, and rainfall to northern and central districts on April 24, 25, and 29. Cities including Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Multan may receive precipitation during this timeframe.
In Balochistan, northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, and Khuzdar are expected to experience rain accompanied by strong winds between April 24–25 and April 27–29. Coastal areas like Gwadar are forecast to remain hot and dry, with temperatures gradually rising. Sindh province is also likely to continue facing hot and dry conditions, though Hyderabad, Badin, and Mithi may see light rain and strong winds on April 24.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is anticipated to witness intermittent rainfall and gusty winds 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 forecast to receive sporadic rain and thunderstorms from April 24 to 29.
The NDMA highlighted that the ongoing heatwave increases the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and other health issues. Citizens have been advised to limit exposure to direct sunlight, increase their water intake, and follow preventive measures. Relevant institutions have been instructed to activate heatwave response plans, establish cooling centers, and keep hospitals on high alert. Provincial and district administrations have been directed to remain vigilant and ready to respond to emergencies arising from these weather conditions.
In a significant development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a high-level inquiry into the non-functional early warning system in Gilgit-Baltistan designed to protect against glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). He emphasized the need for accelerated preparations ahead of the upcoming monsoon season during a review meeting on pre-monsoon readiness and climate-related risks.
The prime minister expressed strong dissatisfaction over the system’s inactivity despite clear instructions issued last year, warning that negligence and weak institutional performance would not be tolerated. He underscored that protecting citizens from environmental hazards is a fundamental responsibility of all departments.
Furthermore, the premier instructed federal ministries and provincial governments to eliminate obstacles hindering policy implementation and ensure the full operationalization of digital monitoring infrastructure for early warning systems. He stressed Pakistan’s high vulnerability to climate change impacts and called for emergency-level measures to mitigate related risks.
Drawing lessons from last year’s monsoon season, the prime minister pointed out that illegal encroachments along river routes and flood channels significantly contributed to the damage. He directed authorities to adopt effective preventive strategies this year before the arrival of heavy rains. Additionally, he urged all institutions to enhance their operational capacity and mobilize resources beyond routine levels to safeguard lives and property during potential flooding events.
