Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (KP PDMA) has directed all deputy commissioners to take precautionary measures ahead of an expected heatwave in the province’s plain areas from May 8 to May 10.
According to the authority, daytime temperatures are likely to climb to between 43°C and 47°C in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu, Karak, and Lakki Marwat. In Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Haripur, and Kohat, temperatures are expected to range from 39°C to 43°C.
The PDMA said a shallow westerly wave is likely to affect most parts of the province from the evening or night of May 10, with the system expected to persist in upper areas until May 13 and bring some relief from the intense heat.
Authorities have been asked to launch public awareness campaigns, especially for children, senior citizens, and people with underlying health conditions, urging them to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, stay hydrated, and remain alert to signs of heat-related illness.
The health department and local administrations have also been directed to set up heatstroke centers, cooling points, and mobile cooling stations in busy areas. These facilities are to be equipped with drinking water, cooling equipment, and trained staff for emergency response.
Farmers have been advised to plan crop activities according to weather conditions and protect livestock, while emergency services have been told to stay on alert for possible fire incidents.
The advisory comes amid a wider spell of extreme heat across the country, with authorities already issuing alerts and emergency instructions in several areas.
