A dangerous heatwave is sweeping across much of Pakistan, pushing temperatures to alarming levels and prompting warnings from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The PMD reports that temperatures in the northern and central parts of the country, including areas like upper and central Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, are expected to stay 5 to 7°C above normal.
In the southern regions, including Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan, the rise is slightly lower but still concerning, with temperatures forecasted to remain 4 to 6°C above the usual range.
This intense heat is being caused by a high-pressure weather system settled over central and southern Pakistan, which is predicted to persist for at least the next three days.
Dadu recorded the highest temperature in the country over the last 24 hours, peaking at a scorching 48°C. Other places also experienced severe heat, including Rahim Yar Khan and Jacobabad at 47°C, while Mohenjo-daro, DG Khan, Bahawalnagar, Sibi, Nokundi, and Bhakkar all saw 46°C.
In Sindh, cities like Nawabshah, Mithi, Mohenjo-daro, Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Karachi are expected to continue facing intense heat, with most areas crossing the 40°C mark.
Dadu may remain one of the hottest spots, with expected highs between 47 and 49 49°C. Karachi, while relatively cooler, will still see uncomfortable conditions, hovering around 35 to 37°C along with high humidity.
Though some relief may come in the form of scattered evening or nighttime rain, windstorms, or thunderstorms in regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, upper KP, Kashmir, and northeast Punjab, including the Potohar plateau, these will not be widespread or strong enough to break the heatwave. A few areas might also see hailstorms on Monday.
Health experts are urging people to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, drink lots of water, and avoid direct sunlight. Children, the elderly, and people working outdoors are particularly at risk, and emergency services are on standby across the most affected areas.