Severe heatwave predicted for Islamabad next week

ISLAMABAD: Several weather forecasting platforms, including The Weather Channel, have issued warnings of ‘severe heat’ in Islamabad starting from the next week.

According to these forecasts, the federal capital is bracing for excessive heat beginning Tuesday, May 21, 2024, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 41 degrees Celsius.

Alarmingly, the mercury is projected to climb even further each subsequent day, reaching 42 degrees on Wednesday and peaking at 43 degrees by Saturday, May 25.

Adding to the urgency, Google’s weather search feature is displaying a ‘severe weather alert’ for Islamabad.

In response to these alarming predictions, the Islamabad District Health Office has taken proactive measures by directing all healthcare facilities under its jurisdiction to establish Emergency Heat Wave Response Centres, operational seven days a week throughout the duration of the heatwave.

A memorandum issued by the District Health Officer highlights the heightened risks posed by the scorching temperatures, particularly during the months of May to July, which are notorious for extreme heatwaves in Pakistan.

These phenomena are attributed to the broader challenges of global warming and climate change. The memorandum underscores the potential increase in heatstroke-related mortality and morbidity, stressing the critical importance of immediate preventive measures.

Heatstroke, the most severe heat-related illness, occurs when the body’s temperature regulation mechanisms fail. Body temperature can skyrocket from 103 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit within a mere 10 to 15 minutes, leading to potentially fatal consequences if emergency treatment is not promptly administered.

As Islamabad prepares to face this impending heatwave, authorities and citizens alike are urged to exercise caution, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions to mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat exposure.

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Web Desk