A prolonged and intense heatwave continues to grip much of Pakistan, with temperatures reaching dangerously high levels across several regions.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that this extreme weather pattern is expected to last until Thursday, June 13. During this period, many areas are likely to experience temperatures well above the usual range for this time of year.
According to the PMD, parts of upper and central Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab are currently seeing temperatures between 4°C to 7°C above normal.
To minimize health risks, the public is strongly advised to avoid going out in direct sunlight, especially between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and to stay properly hydrated to help prevent heatstroke.
The situation is particularly alarming in low-lying areas, where the heat is expected to stay intense through Wednesday and Thursday, along with dusty winds during the afternoon hours.
“According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Bhakkar recorded the country’s highest temperature at 50°C.”
Dera Ghazi Khan and Noorpur Thal weren’t far behind, with both cities reaching 49°C. Several others, including Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Layyah, and Mandi Bahauddin, reported highs of 48°C.
Meanwhile, Bahawalnagar, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khanewal, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot also hit the 47°C mark.
Urban hubs such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Attock, and Sahiwal are also battling the sweltering heat, with forecasts indicating temperatures ranging from 45°C to 47°C.
Humidity levels have further worsened the heat index. For example, Multan recorded 46°C with 56% humidity, Dera Ghazi Khan 46°C with 42%, Sargodha 47°C with 52%, and Lahore 46°C with 36%, making conditions even more oppressive.
Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed and PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia have instructed all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to stay on high alert.
Local authorities have been directed to ensure the availability of cold drinking water in public areas such as bus stops and markets. Special focus has been given to maintaining the water supply in drought-hit areas like Cholistan.
Hospitals across the province have set up heatwave response counters and ensured the supply of necessary medicines.
The DG PDMA has called on the public to remain extremely careful, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions.
People are urged to limit outdoor activity, wear light-colored cotton clothes, and stay indoors as much as possible during the peak heat hours.
In case of any emergency, citizens can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129 for quick support.