Pakistanis have been advised to stay indoors and take preventive measures amid record-breaking heat, with experts warning that such temperatures could become the norm amid the climate crisis.
Authorities have issued cautionary advisories to the citizens of the twin cities asking them to take preventive measures against heat strokes as scorching temperatures continue to grip the region, with mercury levels soaring above 40 degrees Celsius.
Islamabad experienced 42 degrees Celsius and 41 degrees Celsius temperatures respectively on Wednesday and Thursday, with a predicted high of 43 degrees Celsius on Friday, June 23. However, the combination of high humidity, exceeding 55 percent, and low air pressure is intensifying the heat, resulting in a feel-like temperature of up to 46 degrees Celsius in Islamabad.
The feel-like temperature is expected to rise even further in Rawalpindi-Islamabad on Friday. The scorching heat of June, combined with warm and moisture-laden southeast winds, will create oppressive conditions for the next two days.
Experts dismiss weather anomalies
Although the current weather conditions may seem extreme, experts claim that they are not abnormal for this time of year.
“But this year the people seem to be reacting sharply, mainly because of sudden change in weather,” a senior official from the Meteorological Office said.
According to the officials, temperatures reaching 41-43 degrees Celsius are typical for the last week of June, with the highest temperature on record being 46.7 degrees Celsius in 1994. The sudden change in weather this year, following a cool and pleasant period in May and the first half of June, has led to a heightened reaction from the public.
Health advisory issued in Islamabad
Islamabad capital territory health administration has urged the public to take immediate necessary measures during the extremely hot summer months. These include:
- Avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity if you can. If you must do it, then do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually between 04:00 AM and 07:00 AM.
- Do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Limit time in direct sunlight in hot/humid weather. Stay in the shade when outdoors
- Persons working under the sun should prevent dehydration and heat stroke by taking time out of the sun and drinking plenty of water.
- Use an umbrella, and wear hats, and light-colored, light, and loose-fitting clothes during the hot season.
- Keep the body cool and hydrated by taking cool showers or baths during a heat wave. You can also use cold packs and wraps, towels, sponging, and foot baths to keep cool.
- If you feel dizzy, weak, anxious, or have intense thirst and headache during a heatwave, it is best to move to a cool place as soon as possible and drink some water or fruit juice.
- Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen), and drink oral rehydration solutions (ORS) containing electrolytes. Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than 1 hour. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
Learn more on how to stay cool and safe during the heatwave:
A pre-monsoon spell
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted pre-monsoon rains and thunderstorms in the upper and central parts of the country from June 25 to 30, indicating that the prevailing heat wave conditions are likely to subside upon the onset of the pre-monsoon spell. Moist currents from the Arabian Sea and an approaching westerly wave are expected to bring rain, wind, and occasional heavy falls to various regions, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, and Kashmir.
Rain/wind-thundershower with isolated heavy falls is also expected in Barkhan, Loralai, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Ziarat, Musakhel, D I Khan, Karak, Waziristan, D G khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara, from 26th to 29th June, while in Sukkur, Jacobabad and Larkana on 27th/28th June.
Issuing an alert, the Met Office said heavy rain may cause flash flooding in hill torrents of D G Khan and adjoining areas of north-east Balochistan on 27th June.
Risk of flash floods
Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman has issued a warning about the increased risk of flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the upcoming Eidul Azha holidays.
“The upcoming week aligns with the celebration of Eidul Azha, a time when an influx of tourists is expected in the northern regions due to the holidays. Recognizing this increased footfall, it is crucial for individuals to remain attentive and take necessary measures to ensure the well-being of both residents and visitors during this festive period,” she said on Thursday.
Pakistan, with its extensive glaciated areas, is facing significant threats due to the projected substantial reduction in glacial volume, she added, highlighting the partnership between the federal government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the GLOF-II Project, which aims to enhance community resilience in the face of climate-induced disasters.