Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Saturday advised the public to take precautionary measures as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said that heatwave conditions would continue to prevail in the province’s central and upper parts till tomorrow (Sunday).

In a heatwave alert, the PMD said, “Hot or very hot and dry weather likely to prevail over most parts of the province. However, heatwave conditions [to] continue to prevail in the central and upper parts of the province till tomorrow.”

The PMD said that under its influence, the daytime maximum temperatures were likely to be 3-5 degrees Celsius above normal in Jamshoro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Kashmore, Ghotki, Sanghar, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Jacobabad, Larkana and Sukkur districts.

The Met department also predicted dust thunderstorm/gusty winds in Jacobabad, Larkana, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Sukkur and Ghotki districts for Saturday and Sunday.

“Avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the daytime and remain hydrated,” the department said, advising farmers to keep the weather in mind when working and to also take care of livestock.

It further said that wind or dust storms may “damage loose structures like electric poles, trees, vehicles and solar panels at vulnerable locations”.

The department also predicted the maximum temperature in Karachi Division to be between 38-40 degrees Celsius on Sunday, and between 39-41 degrees Celsius on Monday.

Meanwhile, Sindh CM Shah issued directives to the district administrations concerned. The chief minister said that according to the Meteorological Department, Jamshoro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki and Sanghar were in the grip of a heatwave.

He instructed the district administrations in the affected areas to establish heatwave relief camps. He also directed that special arrangements be made in hospitals for heatstroke patients.

The chief minister advised the public to take precautionary measures before venturing outside. He urged the people to cover their heads, drink water, stay in shaded areas and avoid working in direct sunlight.