Heatwave to Grip Southern Pakistan, Cyclone Risk in Coastal Areas
LAHORE / ISLAMABAD – At least nine people have lost their lives in weather-related incidents across Punjab over the past two days, as heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms battered various regions. Authorities have forecast more severe weather conditions for Friday and Saturday, especially in northern and central Punjab.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Centre, issued a weather advisory warning of intense weather patterns from April 18 to 19. The alert covers the Potohar region — including Islamabad and Rawalpindi — as well as northern districts like Attock, Chakwal, Gujrat, and Jhelum, and central Punjab areas such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Sahiwal.
The advisory warned of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms, which could damage infrastructure, disrupt transport, and affect agriculture. Strong winds may uproot trees, cause power outages, and damage rooftops, vehicles, solar panels, and crops. Poor visibility due to dust and storms could pose additional risks for drivers.
Authorities urged residents and travelers to remain cautious, avoid landslide-prone areas, and stay updated through NDMA’s mobile app, Pak NDMA Disaster Alert, and other verified sources. Emergency teams have been placed on high alert.
Casualties and Damage
According to a report by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), nine people died in Punjab following Wednesday’s intense storm activity. Two fatalities occurred in Layyah and Kot Addu due to lightning strikes. In Layyah, a calf was also killed, and two houses suffered partial damage.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that financial aid will be provided to the affected families. He added that district emergency centers and the provincial control room are fully operational and monitoring the situation around the clock. Rescue services, including Rescue 1122, are on standby with necessary equipment and personnel.
Thunderstorms and light rain are forecast to continue in parts of Punjab through April 20. Mr. Kathia advised the public to avoid contact with electric poles and exposed wires, and to stay indoors during lightning activity.
Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed has instructed commissioners, deputy commissioners, and emergency services across the province to remain vigilant and ready for any escalation.
Heatwave and Cyclone Alerts
In a separate update, the NDMA also warned of an incoming heatwave expected to affect southern parts of the country, with temperatures forecast to soar between April and June. Mountainous areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Murree, and the Potohar region are also at risk of extreme heat, which could trigger wildfires.
The three-month weather outlook suggests that the country will experience above-average temperatures and below-normal rainfall, which could impact crop yields and intensify water scarcity. The NDMA also expects cyclones to form in the Arabian Sea during May and June, potentially bringing rain to coastal regions.
Southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan are expected to bear the brunt of the heat, with temperatures possibly reaching 45°C in areas such as Karachi, Badin, Larkana, Umerkot, Tharparkar, and Matiari. Cities like Sukkur, Shikarpur, Dadu, Sanghar, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Lahore will also face dangerously high temperatures.
In northern regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, extreme heat could accelerate glacial melting, increasing the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
The NDMA has urged the public to limit outdoor exposure during peak sun hours and take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
