Public urged to stay indoors and limit outdoor exposure amid soaring temperatures
A severe heatwave continues to sweep across much of the country, with temperatures climbing to dangerously high levels and prompting warnings from officials.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), temperatures in the northern and central regions—including Islamabad, upper and central Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan—are expected to remain 5 to 7°C above normal. Meanwhile, southern areas such as Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan are forecast to experience temperatures 4 to 6°C above average.
The extreme heat is being driven by a dominant high-pressure system over the central and southern parts of the country, which is expected to persist for at least the next three days.
In the last 24 hours, Dadu recorded the nation’s highest temperature at 48°C. Other hotspots included Rahim Yar Khan and Jacobabad at 47°C, while Mohenjo-daro, DG Khan, Bahawalnagar, Sibi, Nokundi, and Bhakkar all reached 46°C. The heatwave has left most regions dry and baking, particularly the plains.
Cities across Sindh, including Nawabshah, Mithi, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Mohenjo-daro, and Karachi, are forecast to endure more days of sweltering heat with temperatures staying well above 40°C. Dadu, in particular, is expected to remain among the hottest locations, with forecasts projecting highs between 47 and 49°C.
Karachi will also remain hot, though slightly more moderate, with temperatures between 35 and 37°C, coupled with high humidity.
Some relief may come in the form of isolated showers, windstorms, or thunderstorms in areas like Gilgit-Baltistan, upper KP, Kashmir, and northeastern Punjab, including the Potohar plateau, during the evening or night. Hailstorms are also possible in a few locations on Monday. However, these weather developments are not expected to significantly lower the overall temperature.
Health authorities have issued strong advisories, urging people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and remain in cool or shaded areas.
The prolonged heatwave poses serious health hazards, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those working outdoors. Emergency services remain on standby across the affected areas to respond to any heat-related incidents.
