The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), on Thursday issued a nationwide alert warning of an intense heatwave in several regions until May 5.

The authority also forecast rain, windstorms and thunderstorms in parts of the country between April 24 and 29. The NDMA urged the authorities and citizens to activate response measures and take precautionary steps.

The NDMA said the current weather pattern was consistent with its seasonal outlook issued three to four months earlier, and noted that a detailed assessment for the April to June period had already been shared.

According to the advisory, Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan were expected to face severe heatwave conditions. Major cities including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Turbat were likely to remain under extreme heat.

Further, central Punjab and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may also see a sharp rise in temperatures.

At the same time, a weather system was expected to bring dust storms, gusty winds and rain to upper and central districts of Punjab on April 24, 25 and 29. Areas including Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan were likely to receive rainfall.

In Balochistan, northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar were forecast to receive rain accompanied by strong winds between April 24-25 and April 27-29. Coastal areas, including Gwadar, were expected to remain hot and dry with a gradual increase in temperature.

Sindh was likely to remain hot and dry overall, with temperatures continuing to rise. However, Hyderabad, Badin and Mithi may experience light rain and gusty winds on April 24.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was also expected to witness intermittent rain and strong winds in districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat and Kurram during April 24-25 and April 27-29.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were likely to experience intermittent rain with thunderstorms from April 24 to 29.

The NDMA warned that the heatwave could increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration and other health issues. Citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink plenty of water and take precautionary measures.

The authority directed relevant departments to activate heatwave response plans, set up cooling centres and keep hospitals on alert.

Provincial and district administrations were also instructed to remain vigilant to deal with any emergency.