Severe heatwave in Punjab, mercury touches 50 degrees in Bhakkar

Lahore: The temperature in Bhakkar, Punjab, on Tuesday was recorded at 50 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature in the province this season, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said.

According to a media report, the PDMA said that these severe weather conditions are part of a widespread heatwave, which is likely to continue till June 13, and the temperature will remain 5 to 7 degrees higher than normal.

According to the Meteorological Department, the temperature in Noorpur Thal on Tuesday reached 49 degrees Celsius, while in Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Kaur (Leh district), and Mandi Bahauddin the temperature reached 48 degrees Celsius.

The administration is providing cold drinking water at public places and bus stands. Heat stroke emergency counters have been set up in hospitals, and medical supplies have been provided for the treatment of heat-related illnesses.

Authorities have advised citizens in the affected areas to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary outings, especially between 11:00am and 4:00pm.

The PDMA is running an awareness campaign, asking citizens to wear light-colored, loose cotton clothes and drink plenty of water.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said that this is a life-threatening situation, and stressed that special protection should be given to the vulnerable sections.

The Meteorological Department has predicted that there is no abatement in the heat wave in the next 48 to 72 hours.