City sizzles at 45°C; heatwave to persist until 12th

LAHORE:The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a heat wave alert, warning that extreme temperatures will persist across the province until June 12.

According to the PDMA spokesperson, temperatures are expected to remain 4 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal. The heatwave may become particularly intense in the southern districts of Punjab, including Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Multan.

Today, Sargodha recorded the highest temperature at 47°C. In major plains such as Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad, temperatures were around 45°C. Other districts, including Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, Okara, Mandi Bahauddin, Khanewal, Kasur, Layyah, Jhang, and Hafizabad recorded temperatures ranging between 40°C and 42°C.

In line with directives from the chief minister, all relevant departments have been placed on high alert. Clean drinking water is being provided in the Cholistan region, and heat wave response counters have been established in all hospitals.

PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that necessary medicines to treat heat stroke are being made available. Public awareness campaigns are being run through the media to alert citizens to the risks posed by the heat wave. The public is urged to take precautionary measures, especially for children, the elderly, and those who are unwell, as they are more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. DG Kathia advised people to avoid strenuous activity or exercise in direct sunlight, limit unnecessary outdoor movement, and wear light-coloured cotton clothes. In case of emergencies, citizens can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.