ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan is set to experience intense heat over the coming days, with the national weather authorities warning that temperatures could climb as high as 50 degrees Celsius in several cities and districts across the country.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, most regions are expected to remain hot and dry, while central and southern parts of the country are likely to face extremely hot conditions. The warning comes as authorities urge residents to take precautionary measures amid the ongoing spell of severe summer weather.
Weather experts forecast that daytime temperatures will remain significantly above seasonal averages, particularly in southern Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan. The heatwave is expected to increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, dehydration and pressure on electricity and water supplies.
The Met Office said isolated rain accompanied by thunderstorms, strong winds and dust storms could occur during the evening and night in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, north-eastern Punjab and the Potohar region. However, these weather systems are unlikely to bring substantial relief to the vast areas currently experiencing extreme heat.
A separate heat advisory issued for Thursday warned that temperatures in several districts of Sindh could rise by four to six degrees Celsius above normal levels. Areas expected to be most affected include Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo-daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tharparkar, Badin, Sujawal, Thatta, Hyderabad and Matiari.
Meteorologists also cautioned that Tando Muhammad Khan, Umerkot, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Mirpurkhas, Jamshoro and Sanghar could continue to experience extremely high temperatures. Similar conditions are forecast for Sibi, Turbat and Panjgur in Balochistan, as well as Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan and surrounding districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Punjab is expected to be among the hardest-hit provinces. The Met Office warned that temperatures in Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Joharabad, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Sahiwal could reach between 47°C and 50°C.
Health experts have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, increase water intake and take special care of children, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.