Provincial Disaster Management Authority has issued a province wide heatwave alert ahead of the Eid holidays. Authorities expect temperatures to rise sharply between May 25 and May 31 across several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The federal government has already announced Eidul Azha holidays from May 26 to May 28.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a high pressure system will likely form in the upper atmosphere from May 25. Weather officials expect the system to intensify from May 26.

“A high-pressure system is likely to form in the upper atmosphere from May 25 and intensify from May 26, leading to moderate to severe heatwave conditions in the province,” the PDMA said.

Officials said temperatures during recent days remained 2°C to 4°C above normal levels.

The authority warned that southern districts could face the most severe conditions.

Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu, Karak and Lakki Marwat may record temperatures between 47°C and 50°C.

In Peshawar, Mardan and Swabi, temperatures may remain between 42°C and 45°C.

Authorities Launch Emergency Measures

The PDMA directed district administrations to take precautionary steps immediately.

Officials asked authorities to protect human lives, crops and livestock during the heatwave.

The agency advised citizens to avoid direct sunlight between 10am and 5pm.

Officials also urged elderly people and children to remain extra cautious during outdoor activities.

The PDMA encouraged people to increase water intake and wear loose, light coloured clothing.

Authorities also launched awareness campaigns about dehydration and heatstroke symptoms.

The Health Department received instructions to establish heatstroke centres and cooling points in sensitive areas.

Rescue 1122 and local fire brigades will remain on high alert during the holiday period.

Officials fear that extreme temperatures could increase fire incidents in several districts.

Farmers also received advice to plan harvesting activities carefully and protect livestock from heat stress.

Pakistan Faces Rising Climate Pressures

Pakistan has experienced increasingly severe heatwaves during recent years.

Climate experts say rising temperatures continue to intensify extreme weather events across South Asia.

Earlier this month, weather officials warned that temperatures in parts of Pakistan could approach 50°C during Eid holidays.

Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can trigger dehydration, exhaustion and life threatening heatstroke.

The PDMA said its Emergency Operations Centre remains fully operational during the Eid holidays.

Authorities urged citizens to report emergencies through helpline 1700.