As Pakistan continues to face a punishing heatwave, health experts are urging the public to dress wisely to cope with the rising temperatures expected to last through the week.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that temperatures in some regions could climb as high as 46°C to 48°C due to a high-pressure system forming in the upper atmosphere.
The heat is expected to be especially intense in southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan between April 13 and 18.
Cities like Dadu may see highs of 46°C, while Nawabshah could reach 45°C, and Hyderabad and Sukkur may record around 43°C.
Karachi, although spared the most extreme temperatures, will still endure hot and humid weather, with daytime temperatures hovering around 36°C.
In central Punjab, places like Multan, D.G. Khan, and Sargodha are likely to face temperatures near 40°C, while Lahore is forecast to hit 37°C.
Northern parts of the country, including Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, could see temperatures rise 4°C to 6°C above their seasonal averages.
Given these scorching conditions, specialists are advising people to wear breathable, loose-fitting clothes made from light-coloured fabrics like cotton and linen, which are better suited to beat the heat.
Men are encouraged to wear pale cotton shirts—white, beige, and other pastel shades—to help reflect sunlight and allow better airflow.
For those who prefer a more put-together style, polo shirts with linen trousers or lightweight chinos strike a balance between comfort and style. Thick fabrics like denim are best avoided, as they hold in heat and reduce ventilation.
Women are advised to stick with lawn fabric, a lightweight cotton commonly worn in Pakistan during the summer.
Loose and airy outfits like flowing dresses, palazzo pants, and breathable tops made from natural materials offer both comfort and modesty.
Accessories like cotton scarves and chiffon dupattas also help protect against the sun while staying light enough not to add extra warmth.
Children, who are more prone to heat-related problems, should receive special attention. Soft, tightly woven cotton clothes are best as they’re breathable and offer protection from harmful UV rays.
Loose long-sleeved shirts and trousers give better sun coverage than shorts and sleeveless tops, and wide-brimmed hats are recommended to shield their face, head, and ears.
For hot nights, dressing kids in light pyjamas or just a nappy, and covering them with a thin cotton sheet instead of heavy blankets, can help them sleep more comfortably in the heat.