A severe heatwave is affecting large parts of country, with temperatures reaching unusually high and potentially hazardous levels.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning, forecasting daytime temperatures to remain 5 to 7°C above normal in the upper half of the country, including central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
In the southern half, including Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan, temperatures are expected to remain 4 to 6°C above normal.
The ongoing extreme heat is being driven by a high-pressure system prevailing over central and southern parts of the country, which is likely to persist through the next 72 hours.
The highest temperature recorded in the country over the past 24 hours was 48°C in Dadu. Other extremely hot locations included Rahim Yar Khan and Jacobabad at 47°C, and Mohenjo-daro, DG Khan, Bahawalnagar, Sibi, Nokundi, and Bhakkar at 46°C. Weather conditions in most areas have remained dry and hot, with intense heat particularly affecting the plains.
Forecasts suggest that cities across Sindh, including Nawabshah, Mithi, Mohenjo-daro, Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Karachi, will continue to experience scorching temperatures well above 40°C.
Dadu is likely to remain one of the hottest cities in the coming days, with temperatures potentially ranging between 47 to 49°C. Karachi is forecast to remain hot but less extreme, with maximum temperatures around 35 to 37°C accompanied by high humidity levels.
Meanwhile, isolated rain, windstorms, or thunderstorms are possible during the evening and night in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and northeastern Punjab, including the Potohar region.
Hailstorms may also occur in a few areas on Monday. However, these weather events are not expected to impact temperatures significantly or bring broader relief from the heatwave.
Health officials have issued advisories urging the public to avoid direct sunlight, stay indoors during peak hours, and drink plenty of fluids.
The extreme heat poses serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. Emergency services across the affected regions remain on high alert.
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