A severe heatwave is expected to continue gripping Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and much of Pakistan through Wednesday and Thursday, prompting health experts to urge people to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that “continental air prevails over most parts of Pakistan” along with a strong high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere, both of which are likely to persist over the next three days. A shallow westerly wave is also affecting northern areas of the country.
These weather patterns are fueling extreme heat, with most regions, including the twin cities, likely to experience unusually high temperatures. Only Gilgit-Baltistan may see some scattered rain and gusty winds.
Daytime temperatures are forecasted to stay between 5°C to 7°C above normal in the northern half of the country, covering central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
In the southern half, spanning upper and central Sindh, southern Punjab, and parts of Balochistan, temperatures may rise 4°C to 6°C above average through Thursday.
Islamabad is expected to see highs between 44°C and 46°C on Wednesday and 43°C to 45°C on Thursday. Rawalpindi will face similar conditions.
Over the past 24 hours, much of the country endured scorching and dry weather. The hottest spots included Dera Ghazi Khan, Noorpur Thal, and Jacobabad, where temperatures soared to 49°C.
Bhakkar, Sargodha, and Sibbi recorded 48°C, while Bahawalnagar, Bannu, Dadu, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Jhang, Jhelum, Layyah, Kasur, Kot Addu, and Mandi Bahauddin all reached 47°C.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi each recorded a peak of 44°C, with morning humidity levels at 33% and 28%, respectively.