LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned of a severe heatwave across Punjab during the Eidul Azha holidays, with temperatures expected to remain up to seven degrees Celsius above normal in several districts and touch as high as 50°C in southern parts of the province.

According to authority’s advisory available with Dawn, the heatwave is likely to persist from May 25 to May 31 under the influence of a high-pressure weather system forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

The advisory stated that temperatures in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot and other central and northern districts may rise between 42°C and 45°C, while southern districts, including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur and Sargodha, could experience temperatures ranging from 47°C to 50°C.

The authority also warned that night-time temperatures were likely to remain unusually high during the forecast period, increasing health risks for vulnerable groups, particularly children, elderly citizens and outdoor workers.

Southern Punjab districts may witness 50°C

A spokesperson for the PDMA said the prevailing weather conditions could adversely affect public health, agriculture, water availability and routine socio-economic activities across the province.

The PDMA directed all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to activate emergency preparedness measures, including the establishment of heatwave relief and cooling points at cattle markets, bus terminals, railway stations, Eid prayer grounds, hospitals and major marketplaces.

The district administrations were instructed to ensure the availability of safe drinking water, oral rehydration salts (ORS), shaded resting areas, fans and first-aid facilities at public places. Mobile heat relief units and emergency response teams have also been ordered to remain operational in livestock markets and busy commercial centres during Eid days.

The PDMA further directed the district authorities to activate district emergency operations centres round the clock and appoint emergency coordinators to oversee response activities. Religious leaders, market associations and social media activists have also been asked to assist in spreading awareness about heatstroke prevention measures.

PDMA Director General Umar Javed urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and outdoor activities between 10am and 5pm, drink plenty of water and wear light-coloured cotton clothes to minimise heat exposure.

He advised motorists to check tyre pressure and radiator water levels before travelling during the Eid holidays, warning that extreme temperatures could increase the risk of road accidents and vehicle breakdowns.

The authority also issued special instructions for butchers, sanitation workers and livestock traders expected to work outdoors during Eid. The livestock owners were advised to ensure regular watering of animals and arrange temporary shade at sacrificial animal markets. Veterinary camps and medical facilities for both humans and animals are being established at cattle markets and other public locations, the PDMA said.

Citizens were urged to recognise symptoms of heatstroke and seek immediate medical assistance in case of dehydration, dizziness or exhaustion.

The PDMA asked the public to conserve water carefully during the ongoing heat spell and encouraged people to place water containers for birds and animals.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2026