ISLAMABAD: A severe and prolonged heatwave has gripped large parts of Pakistan, pushing temperatures beyond 50°C and prompting urgent warnings from authorities to limit exposure to sun and take precautionary measures.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the intense heat is expected to continue until Friday, June 13, with maximum temperatures remaining well above seasonal averages across most regions.
The weather department stated that temperatures in upper and central Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab are currently ranging between 4°C and 7°C above normal levels.
Bhakkar recorded the highest temperature in the country, reaching a scorching 50°C, according to a spokesperson for the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Other cities experiencing extreme heat include Dera Ghazi Khan and Noorpur Thal at 49°C, while Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Layyah, and Mandi Bahauddin each recorded 48°C.
Several other districts, including Bahawalnagar, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khanewal, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot, reported highs of 47°C.
Major urban centres such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Attock, and Sahiwal are also enduring intense heat, with temperatures ranging from 45°C to 47°C.
The combination of high temperature and humidity has pushed the heat index to dangerous levels. Multan registered 46°C with 56% relative humidity, Dera Ghazi Khan 46°C with 42%, Sargodha 47°C with 52%, and Lahore 46°C with 36%.
In light of the extreme weather, citizens have been strongly advised to avoid direct sunlight between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, stay hydrated, and take extra precautions to prevent heatstroke.
The PMD also forecast dusty winds in the afternoons, particularly in plain areas, further aggravating the heatwave’s impact.
Relief Commissioner Punjab, Nabeel Javed, and PDMA Director General, Irfan Ali Kathia, have instructed all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to remain on high alert.
They directed local administrations to ensure the availability of cold drinking water at public places, including bus terminals and markets, and to prioritise water supply in the drought-hit Cholistan region.
Emergency heatwave response counters have been set up at all major hospitals, with arrangements made for the availability of essential medicines.
DG PDMA urged the public to take special care of vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with existing health conditions.
The public has also been advised to wear light-coloured cotton clothing, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak hours, and stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. In case of emergencies, citizens can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129 for immediate assistance.
