Pakistan Meteorological Department Issues Heatwave Alert for Balochistan, Advises Public to Avoid Outdoor Activity
QUETTA: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Balochistan, warning that extremely high temperatures are expected to persist across most parts of the province for the next week.
According to the Met Office, Quetta and several other districts—including Sibi, Dera Murad Jamali, Jaffarabad, Naseerabad, Gwadar, Lasbela, Hub, Khuzdar, Kohlu, and Barkhan—are experiencing temperatures significantly above seasonal averages.
The department advised residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when temperatures are expected to feel an additional 6 to 7 degrees Celsius higher due to intense solar radiation.
Health officials have reported a noticeable rise in patients suffering from heatstroke, dehydration, low blood pressure, fainting, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and other heat-related illnesses at public and private hospitals across the province.
Medical specialist Dr. Hassan Tahir warned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat and inadequate water intake could lead to serious health complications, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which may become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
He said elderly people, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disorders, or high blood pressure are particularly vulnerable and should take extra precautions.
Dr. Tahir advised the public to remain indoors during peak daytime hours whenever possible. Those who must go outside should wear light-colored cotton clothing, cover their heads with a hat, cap, or umbrella, and carry drinking water.
He also recommended increasing the intake of water, oral rehydration solution (ORS), lemonade, fresh juices, and other healthy fluids to prevent dehydration.
Workers who spend extended periods outdoors, including laborers, traffic police personnel, and drivers, were urged to take regular breaks in shaded areas and avoid unnecessary physical exertion during the hottest part of the day.
Health experts also advised parents to keep children out of direct sunlight and in cool, well-ventilated places.
In addition, they warned that high temperatures increase the risk of food spoilage, food poisoning, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal illnesses. Residents were urged to avoid stale or unhygienic food, consume freshly prepared meals, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and drink only clean and safe water.
Doctors advised that anyone experiencing symptoms such as severe dizziness, fainting, high fever, unusually elevated body temperature, hot and dry skin, extreme weakness, confusion, or difficulty breathing should be moved immediately to a cool, shaded place, cooled with water or wet cloths, and taken to the nearest hospital without delay.
Authorities have urged residents to adjust their daily routines according to weather conditions, stay well hydrated, seek medical attention if symptoms develop, and take special care of children, elderly family members, and other vulnerable individuals during the ongoing heatwave.
