Punjab braces for heatwaves and heavy rains as PDMA issues seasonal weather alert
By Bilal Haider :
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority has warned that several parts of Punjab could face extreme weather conditions over the coming months, including intense heatwaves, heavy rainfall, flash floods and urban flooding.
According to the authority’s seasonal weather outlook, temperatures and rainfall patterns across the province are expected to remain above normal during May, June and July, raising concerns about public safety, infrastructure damage and agricultural losses.
The advisory, issued to divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, police authorities, Water and Sanitation Agency and Rescue 1122, urged government departments to complete emergency preparedness measures ahead of possible severe weather events.
The PDMA forecast said northern and north-western districts of Punjab are likely to receive above-normal rainfall during the three-month period, while eastern Punjab may experience slightly below-normal rainfall. Central areas of the province are expected to record rainfall levels close to seasonal averages.
At the same time, the authority warned that most districts could experience unusually high temperatures and heatwave conditions, particularly between May 7 and May 11.
Officials cautioned that the combination of rising temperatures and unstable weather systems could trigger strong winds, dust storms and hailstorms across various regions, posing risks to seasonal crops, orchards and vegetable farms.
Farmers were advised to monitor official weather updates closely before carrying out irrigation, harvesting or transportation of crops to minimise potential losses.
The PDMA also highlighted concerns over heat spikes in plain areas of Punjab, noting that above-normal temperatures during May could intensify heatwave conditions even in areas forecast to receive increased rainfall.
Weather experts say climate variability has increased the frequency of extreme weather events in Pakistan in recent years, with sudden temperature surges and irregular rainfall patterns becoming more common across both urban and rural regions.
The authority further warned that heavy downpours could lead to flash floods and landslides in mountainous and flood-prone areas, while major urban centres may face urban flooding, especially in low-lying neighbourhoods with poor drainage infrastructure.
Cities across Punjab have repeatedly experienced flooding during monsoon seasons due to inadequate drainage systems, rapid urbanisation and encroachments on water channels.
The advisory also raised public health concerns, particularly in southern districts where higher temperatures and stagnant water could contribute to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as Dengue fever.
Punjab has witnessed recurring dengue outbreaks over the past decade, prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance and mosquito control campaigns during warmer months.
The weather warning follows directives issued by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who instructed departments to ensure advance planning and coordination to respond to potential emergencies.
PDMA Director-General Umar Javed urged residents to take precautionary measures during severe weather conditions. He advised people to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement during periods of extreme heat, increase water intake and protect children and elderly individuals from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Officials also encouraged citizens to stay updated through official weather advisories and emergency alerts as the province prepares for potentially volatile summer and monsoon conditions.
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