ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued a nationwide alert warning of an intense heatwave across several regions of the country that is expected to persist until May 5.
Through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the authority also forecast rain, windstorms and thunderstorms in parts of Pakistan between April 24 and 29, urging both government agencies and citizens to activate response measures and take precautionary measures.
Severe heat to scorch southern regions
According to the NDMA advisory, Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan are expected to face severe heat conditions over the coming days.
Major cities likely to remain under extreme heat include:
- Sindh:Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad
- Punjab:Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan
- Balochistan:Turbat
Central Punjab and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may also see a sharp rise in temperatures during the heatwave period.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting on preparedness for Monsoon season and strategy to counter Climate Threats. 23 April, 2026. pic.twitter.com/AUiqH3ehnG
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) April 23, 2026
Rain and storms in northern areas
While southern regions bake, a separate weather system is expected to bring dust storms, gusty winds and rain to upper and central districts of Punjab on April 24, 25 and 29.
Areas likely to receive rainfall include Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan.
Weather Advisory (Next 24–48 Hours): Rain, Thunderstorm & Gusty Winds Expected in Upper and Western Pakistan; Hot & Dry Conditions Elsewhere#WeatherAdvisory #RainAlert #Thunderstorm #Windstorm #PMD #PakistanWeather #Forecast #KPK #Punjab #Balochistan #Sindh #GilgitBaltistan pic.twitter.com/yMDSDqKvBq
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) April 23, 2026
In Balochistan, northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar are forecast to receive rain accompanied by strong winds between April 24-25 and April 27-29. Coastal areas, including Gwadar, are expected to remain hot and dry with a gradual temperature increase.
Sindh is likely to remain hot and dry overall, though Hyderabad, Badin and Mithi may experience light rain and gusty winds on April 24.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to witness intermittent rain and strong 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 likely to experience intermittent rain with thunderstorms from April 24 to 29.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), on Thursday issued a nationwide alert warning of an intense heatwave in several regions until May 5, along with forecasts of rain, windstorms and thunderstorms in parts of… pic.twitter.com/FV0FusOK1a
— APP (@appcsocialmedia) April 23, 2026
Health risks and advisory
The NDMA warned that the heatwave could increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration and other health issues. Citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink plenty of water and take precautionary measures.
The authority directed relevant departments to activate heatwave response plans, set up cooling centres and keep hospitals on alert.
Provincial and district administrations were also instructed to remain vigilant to deal with any emergency.
The NDMA noted that the current weather pattern was consistent with its seasonal outlook issued three to four months earlier, adding that a detailed assessment for the April to June period had already been shared with relevant authorities.
