NDMA Issues High Alert as Severe Heatwave to Grip Pakistan Until May 26
The National Disaster Management Authority has issued a high alert warning of a severe and prolonged heatwave expected to grip large parts of Pakistan from now until at least 26 May. The alert calls on provincial governments, health authorities, and emergency services to activate contingency protocols in anticipation of dangerous temperatures.
Meteorologists warn that the heatwave is likely to affect southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan most severely, with daytime temperatures potentially exceeding 45 degrees Celsius in several districts. Vulnerable populations including the elderly, children, and outdoor labourers face the greatest risk of heat-related illness and mortality.
NDMA has advised citizens to avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours, ensure adequate hydration, and seek shelter with adequate ventilation. The authority has also directed district administrations to establish cooling centres and ensure emergency medical capacity at public hospitals.
The heatwave arrives amid a broader regional pattern of intensifying extreme heat events, which climate scientists link to accelerating climate change. Pakistan, among the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts, has experienced multiple deadly heat emergencies in recent years, underscoring the urgency of sustained disaster preparedness infrastructure.
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