A severe heatwave is gripping Pakistan, with the Met Office forecasting dangerously high temperatures across multiple regions.
Starting Monday, maximum temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C in parts of Sindh and southern Punjab, with some areas like Dadu reaching up to 46°C. This extreme weather event, driven by a high-pressure system, is set to persist through April 18, prompting urgent calls for public safety measures.
Scorching Heat in Sindh: Dadu Faces 46°C
Sindh is bracing for the most intense heat, with the Met Office predicting record-breaking temperatures in several districts. Key forecasts include:
- Dadu: 46°C
- Nawabshah: 45°C
- Sukkur and Hyderabad: 43°C
Temperatures are currently 6-8°C above normal due to a high-pressure system dominating the upper atmosphere since April 13. Karachi will experience hot and humid conditions, with a maximum temperature expected to reach 36°C.
Southern Punjab is also facing extreme heat, with the Met Office forecasting 40°C in DG Khan, Multan and Sargodha districts.
In Lahore, temperatures are expected to reach 37°C. The heatwave’s intensity in the southern half of the country, Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan, could push the mercury as high as 46-48°C in some areas.
Central and Northern Regions: Above-Normal Temperatures
The heatwave extends beyond the south, affecting central and northern Pakistan. From April 14 to 18, daytime temperatures in central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan are forecast to be 4-6°C above normal. Nighttime temperatures will also remain unusually warm, offering little respite.
The Met Office warns that excessive heat during this period could trigger dust storms or windstorms, adding to the challenges faced by residents.
Read: Pakistan Faces Heatwave Alert for April 2025, Met Office Warns
The ongoing heatwave is caused by a high-pressure system that has been in place since April 13. This weather pattern traps heat and prevents cooler air from circulating. As a result, temperatures are expected to rise significantly above seasonal averages through April 18. The southern regions are facing the most severe impact, particularly Sindh and southern Punjab, which are at the epicentre of this heatwave.
With temperatures soaring to dangerous levels, the Met Office has issued critical advice to protect public health, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, women, and senior citizens. Recommended precautions include:
- Avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak daytime hours.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Seek shade or air-conditioned environments when possible.
These steps are vital to prevent heat-related illnesses, which can quickly escalate in extreme conditions.
