Pakistan(National Times)- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a weather advisory on Thursday, predicting mixed weather conditions across the country between June 13 and 18. In its weather advisory, NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) said that a weak western weather system is forecast to affect the upper regions of the country from June 13 to 16, which may influence weather conditions across multiple provinces. “In Punjab, hot weather is expected to persist throughout the week. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), mostly hot conditions are predicted, but scattered rain and windstorms are likely in several districts, including Chitral, Dir, Haripur, Karak, Kohat, Kohistan, Khyber, Kurram, Mansehra, Mohmand, Nowshera, Malakand, Charsadda, Abbottabad, Bannu, Buner, Hazara, Peshawar, Swabi, Swat, Waziristan, and adjoining areas,” the statement said. Sindh and Balochistan are forecast to remain mainly hot and dry throughout the advisory period, it added. “In Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), hot weather will prevail, although areas like Astore, Skardu, Hunza, Shighar, Bagh, and Neelum Valley may receive isolated rainfall from 13th to 16th June,” it said. The NDMA further said that it is closely monitoring the situation through NEOC and maintaining coordination with provincial and district authorities to ensure timely preparedness and response.

Precautions

The NDMA has advised public, particularly those residing in heat-prone regions, to take necessary precautions during extreme temperatures. The precautions include staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours (11:00am to 4:00pm), wearing light and breathable clothing, and checking on vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with health conditions. It also urged travelers and tourists planning to visit northern or hilly regions to remain updated with local weather conditions and follow safety advisories.  Earlier, temperatures were felt as high as 50 degrees Celsius with the heat intensity peaking at a scorching 60°C in Lahore, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Thursday, warning that the ongoing heatwave is likely to persist for another 24 hours with temperatures potentially rising by another 7°C. The ongoing heatwave across Lahore continued, with temperatures rising to 44°C and heat intensity reported at 47°C, according to the Meteorological Department. Officials indicated that the actual felt temperature reached as high as 50°C, with intensity levels experienced up to 60°C. Meteorological authorities attributed the extreme weather to a prolonged dry spell between May and June. The department stated that the heatwave is likely to persist for the next 24 hours, with the possibility of temperatures increasing by another 7°C.