Heat wave alert in May and June; South Punjab and Sindh will be affected

Lahore: Due to climate change, the possibility of heat wave has been shown in various districts of South Punjab and Sindh in May and June, which may not only cause health problems among the citizens but also affect the agriculture and livestock sectors.

In the instructions issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) regarding heat wave 2024, it has been said that during May and June, various districts of Punjab and Sindh may be affected by heat wave. Among them, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan districts of Punjab, while Umarkot, Tharparkar, Tando Allah Yar, Matiari and Sanghar districts of Sindh will be affected. Along with human health problems, agriculture and livestock will also be damaged in these districts.

Director General Pakistan Meteorological Department Mehr Sahibzad told Express that Pakistan is among the countries affected by the effects of climate change where the frequency and intensity of heat waves have increased in the last few years.

Climate change increases the intensity and frequency of heat waves, and rising temperatures not only increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths, but also secondary hazards such as drought, wildfires and reduced air quality. becomes.

According to NDMA, the maximum temperature in May is expected to be 48.1 degrees Celsius while the humidity ratio is expected to be 71.72 percent. The maximum temperature in June will be 49.5 degrees and the relative humidity in the air will be 82.48%.

Similarly, the temperature in July will be 48.5 degrees while the air humidity will be 88.86 percent. In August, the maximum temperature can reach 48.63 and humidity can reach 92.63%.

According to experts, if the humidity in the air is 70 percent and the temperature reaches 40 to 50 degrees, then this condition of the weather is considered dangerous and if the temperature is more than 50 degrees, then this condition is extremely dangerous. There is no possibility of temperature going above 50 degrees in Pakistan at present.

According to the records of Pakistan Meteorological Department from 2007 to 2024, the highest temperature of 54 degrees Celsius was recorded on May 28, 2017 in Turbat, Balochistan. Also 53 in Kolarkana, Jacobabad and Sibi on 26 May 2010, 52.2 in Larkana on 19 May 2016, 52 in Nawab Shah on 26 May 2010, 52 in Turbat on 30 May 2009, 51.5 in Larkana on 19 May 2013, 52 in Larkana on 22 May 2010. 51.3 in Larkana on 2010, 51 in Dadu on 28 May 2010, 51 in Norpurthal on 26 May 2010, 51 in Sukkur on 25 May 2010, 51 in Sargodha on 10 June 2007 and 51 in Bhakkar on 9 June 2007. Due to which heat wave in these areas caused damage to citizens, agriculture and livestock.

According to medical experts, heat wave can cause heat stroke and dehydration in the body. Symptoms of heat stroke include difficulty breathing, increased heart rate and breathing, cessation of sweating, nausea, vomiting, fainting spells, severe headache, dehydration. Includes itching, hot and red skin.

Iftikhar Malik, Professor of Services Institute of Medical Sciences, says that during the summer season, the consumption of water should be increased, drink ORS and lemon water to compensate for the lack of salts in the body. Water keeps your body temperature normal, so drink plenty of water on hot days.

Avoid going out during extreme heat as much as possible. Use sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap when going out. As much as you are protected from the direct heat of the sun, it is even better to cover your head and mouth with a wet cloth when going outside. Take a bath immediately if you feel unwell, turn the fan towards you to cool down your body temperature.

According to the NDMA spokesperson, instructions have been issued to all the concerned departments to make preparations in view of the heat wave threats.