Islamabad, March 9, 2025 – Pakistan’s two largest provinces, Punjab and Sindh, are gearing up for an early heatwave this year, as per the latest warning issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The extreme weather is expected to hit southern Punjab and Sindh in April 2025, with the intensity increasing in May and June. Meteorologists predict that the heat index in various regions of Punjab and Sindh could soar to 41 to 45 degrees Celsius, posing a serious risk to public health and infrastructure.
Likely Exposed Areas
Several regions in Punjab and Sindh are expected to bear the brunt of the upcoming heatwave. In Punjab, the most vulnerable areas include Rajanpur, Bhakkar, Rahim Yar Khan, Lahore, Bahawalpur, Jhang, Chiniot, Sargodha, and Okara, along with their surrounding districts. In Sindh, the high-risk areas include Dadu, Badin, Larkana, Karachi, Sukkur, Jafarabad, Jamshoro, and Naushahro Feroze, among other regions.
Impact and Preparedness
Authorities warn that the early arrival of extreme heat in Punjab and Sindh could exacerbate water shortages, strain electricity supply, and increase the incidence of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Given that these provinces are already prone to climate-related challenges, health and disaster response teams are on high alert.
Lead Responders
A coordinated response is being prepared, with Health Departments, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) leading the charge. Additionally, ambulance services and emergency medical teams are being mobilized to deal with potential cases of heat-related distress in Punjab and Sindh.
Residents of Punjab and Sindh are advised to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun, and take precautionary measures as temperatures begin to rise. With the heatwave expected to persist well into June 2025, authorities stress the importance of early preparedness to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on communities in both Punjab and Sindh.