Authorities in Pakistan have issued an advisory urging people to stay indoors as the country grapples with an extreme heat wave. The heat wave is expected to bring dangerously high temperatures and poses a threat of glacial-driven floods.
Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, has taken precautionary measures by closing all schools for a week, affecting approximately 18 million students. This extreme weather event is the latest in a series of climate-related disasters that have impacted the country in recent years.
Climate change has led to melting glaciers and increased monsoons, resulting in devastating floods that have submerged significant portions of the country. Pakistan experienced its wettest April since 1961, with more than double the usual monthly rainfall. The heavy rains in the previous month caused casualties, property damage, and loss of farmland, with experts attributing the intensified rainfall to climate change.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that temperatures will remain above normal, with an expected increase of up to 6 degrees Celsius. Temperatures are forecasted to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in various parts of the country this week. Additionally, a further intense heat wave is anticipated in June, with temperatures potentially reaching 45 degrees Celsius.
Authorities advise the public to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary travel, and take precautions to protect livestock during extreme heat conditions. However, many individuals, particularly laborers and construction workers, face challenges in adhering to these guidelines due to economic constraints.
Despite the stifling heat, individuals like Ghulam Farid, a small business owner, and Mohammad Khursheed, a construction worker, continue to work to support their families. Khursheed noted changes in seasonal patterns and expressed concerns about escalating temperatures.
The ongoing heat wave underscores the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events on vulnerable communities in Pakistan.
