The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a heatwave alert across Punjab ahead of the Eid al-Azha holidays, warning that temperatures could remain significantly above normal in several districts.

According to the PDMA spokesperson, temperatures during the holiday period are expected to remain 4 to 7 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages across most parts of the province.

The authority said temperatures in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Sialkot could rise up to 42°C, while southern and central Punjab districts including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha and Jhang may experience extreme heat reaching 50°C.

The PDMA warned that intense heat could persist even during nighttime hours.

PDMA Director General Umar Javed urged citizens to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and advised increased use of water and cold drinks to prevent dehydration.

He also advised people to wear light-coloured cotton clothes and cover their heads with caps or umbrellas while outdoors.

Parents were urged to keep children and elderly family members indoors during peak heat hours.

The authority further directed citizens to check tyre pressure and radiator water levels before travelling during the holidays.

The PDMA also appealed to residents to use water carefully and make arrangements for birds and animals during the extreme weather.

Special precautionary instructions have also been issued for butchers, cattle traders and sanitation workers during Eid al-Azha, while livestock owners were advised to keep animals hydrated and regularly sprinkle water to protect them from heat stress.