Authorities have issued a dengue alert for ten major metropolitan areas, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, warning of a potential epidemic beginning September 20. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) cautioned that recent precipitation and standing floodwater have created ideal breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes, increasing the likelihood of a widespread outbreak this season.

The PMD predicts that this year’s weather patterns suggest the potential for the most serious dengue proliferation on record. The warning emphasized that *Aedes aegypti* mosquitoes are most active shortly after dawn and just before dusk. Optimal conditions for their reproduction include temperatures between 26°C and 29°C, humidity near 60 percent, and rainfall of about 27 mm.

Standing water in inundated regions was pinpointed as a significant concern, prompting officials to urge municipal administrations to step up fumigation and sanitation initiatives.

Authorities stressed that the present season is highly susceptible to dengue transmission and urged all agencies and residents to take immediate preventative actions. Departments involved in anti-dengue programs have been instructed to maintain a strong field presence, educate the public on preventative hygiene measures, and guarantee prompt responses.

Religious leaders and clerics have also been asked to inform their congregations about dengue dangers and prevention strategies during religious gatherings to improve community awareness.