The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a severe heatwave warning, forecasting daytime temperatures 5–7°C above normal in central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan and 4–6°C above normal in Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan. Per PMD’s forecast, a high-pressure system driving the heat is expected to persist for 72 hours.
In the past 24 hours, Dadu recorded a peak of 48°C, with Rahim Yar Khan and Jacobabad at 47°C, and Mohenjo-daro, Dera Ghazi Khan, and others at 46°C, per Geo TV. Sindh cities like Nawabshah, Sukkur, and Hyderabad will exceed 40°C, with Dadu potentially reaching 49°C. Karachi faces 35–37°C with high humidity, worsening conditions.
Health officials warn of serious risks to children, the elderly, and outdoor workers, urging avoidance of direct sunlight, indoor stays from 11 AM to 4 PM, and ample hydration, per Express Tribune. The 2023 Karachi heatwave, which killed over 1,000, underscores the danger.
Read: Pakistan Heatwave: Temperatures Soar to 48°C, PMD Issues Warning
Per PMD, isolated rain, windstorms, or thunderstorms may occur tonight in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and northeastern Punjab, with possible hailstorms on Monday. These are unlikely to significantly cool temperatures, exposing the plains to intense heat.
The PMD advises light clothing and monitoring for heatstroke symptoms. With temperatures nearing 50°C in some areas, proactive measures are essential to protect vulnerable populations during this dangerous heatwave.
