Islamabad: A severe heatwave is forecasted to envelop Pakistan during the Eid holidays and the subsequent week, according to the National Weather Forecasting Centre in Islamabad. The meteorological office has predicted a high-pressure system developing over the country, leading to significantly elevated temperatures from June 7th.

The heatwave is expected to impact the upper half of the country, which includes central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. In these regions, daytime temperatures are anticipated to soar 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norms between June 7th and 12th.

In the southern half, encompassing upper and central Sindh, southern Punjab, and parts of Balochistan, temperatures are projected to rise 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal during the same period. Excessive heating may also trigger dust storms or gusty winds across the plains.

Authorities have advised the public, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, women, and seniors, to take precautions. Recommendations include avoiding direct sunlight and staying hydrated. In northern areas, the rising temperatures might accelerate snowmelt, thereby affecting water resources.

The general populace is urged to use water judiciously. Farmers have been advised to adjust their crop management practices to mitigate the effects of the extreme heat.

The National Weather Forecasting Centre has alerted concerned authorities to take necessary actions to prevent any adverse outcomes from the predicted heatwave conditions.