By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Authorities in Punjab have issued a heatwave alert ahead of Eidul Azha, warning that temperatures across large parts of the province are expected to remain significantly above normal levels, posing serious health and safety risks during the festive period.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecast that the ongoing heatwave will continue through May 31, with temperatures in several districts likely to remain between five and seven degrees Celsius above seasonal averages. The warning follows weather projections from the Pakistan Meteorological Department indicating that a strong high-pressure system is dominating much of the country.
According to the advisory, central and northern districts, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Sialkot, are expected to experience daytime temperatures ranging from 42°C to 45°C. However, conditions are expected to be even harsher in southern Punjab, where temperatures could climb between 47°C and 50°C.
Districts including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur and Sargodha are among the areas expected to bear the brunt of the extreme weather. Officials have also warned that unusually warm nights could prevent adequate cooling, increasing the likelihood of heat-related illnesses.
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The PDMA expressed concern that the prolonged spell of intense heat could affect public health, agriculture, livestock management, water resources and daily economic activities. Vulnerable groups, including children, senior citizens and outdoor labourers, are considered to be at particular risk.
In response, district administrations across Punjab have been instructed to activate emergency preparedness plans. Relief and cooling centres are being established at cattle markets, bus stations, railway terminals, hospitals, Eid prayer venues and other crowded public places expected to witness increased activity during the holiday period.
Authorities have been directed to ensure the availability of clean drinking water, oral rehydration salts (ORS), shaded rest areas, fans and basic medical assistance. Emergency response teams and mobile relief units will remain on standby in livestock markets and major commercial centres throughout Eid.
The PDMA has also ordered district emergency operation centres to function around the clock. Emergency coordinators will oversee local response efforts and monitor conditions in vulnerable areas.
Director General PDMA Umar Javed urged the public to take preventive measures to reduce exposure to extreme heat. Citizens have been advised to avoid outdoor activities between 10am and 5pm, stay hydrated and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting cotton clothing.
Motorists travelling during the Eid holidays have also been advised to inspect tyre pressure and radiator water levels before setting out, as excessive temperatures can increase the risk of vehicle breakdowns and road accidents.
Special arrangements are being made for butchers, sanitation workers and livestock traders who are expected to spend long hours outdoors during Eidul Azha. Livestock owners have been urged to provide adequate shade and water for animals, while veterinary services and medical camps are being established at cattle markets.
The authority also encouraged the public to conserve water during the heatwave and place water containers outdoors for birds and animals struggling in the extreme temperatures.
