ISLAMABAD: A punishing heatwave is set to sweep across Pakistan from Thursday, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 50°C in several southern and central districts, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned on Wednesday.
Issuing a week-long advisory, the PMD said a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere will trigger extreme heat conditions in southern and central regions from May 7 to 11, while upper parts of the country will feel the heat from May 8 to 10.
شدید گرمی کی لہر۔
اگلے 3 سے 4 دن کے دوران سندھ میں درجہ حرارت 50 ڈگری سینٹی گریڈ تک جانے کا امکان۔
پنجاب میں بھی درجہ حرارت 47 ڈگری تک جا سکتا یے۔
عوام گرمی سے بچنے کے لیے ضروری احتیاطی تدابیر اپنایں۔
تمام متعلقہ ادارے الرٹ رہیں#Heatwave #Pakistan #گرمی #ہیٹ_ویو #WeatherAlert pic.twitter.com/uWrOiUMylJ— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) May 6, 2026
The most severe impact is expected in parts of Sindh and Balochistan, where daytime maximum temperatures may climb to 46-50°C in districts including Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Nausheroferoze, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Sibbi, Turbat and Panjgur.
A second belt stretching across southern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Rajanpur, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Multan, Karak, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan, is likely to see temperatures between 43-47°C.
The upper regions, including Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot, will experience a relatively milder but still intense 39-43°C.
Karachi is expected to remain very hot, with maximum temperatures hovering between 35-38°C.
Weekly Weather Outlook (06-12 May, 2026):#PakistanWeather #HeatwaveAlert #PMDUpdate #WeatherForecast #ClimateUpdate #گرمی #ہیٹ_ویو #پاکستان_موسم #محکمہ_موسمیات #موسمی_پیشگوئی pic.twitter.com/hjtzdKUc60
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) May 6, 2026
Relief in sight for northern areas
The PMD noted a shallow westerly wave is likely to affect the upper parts of the country from the evening of May 10 and persist until May 13. “This system is likely to bring relief from the prevailing hot conditions in the upper parts of the country,” the department said.
Weather Update for Tourists | 06-05-2026#PMD #Weather #tourism #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/5qnMyb96yz
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) May 6, 2026
Public advisory and precautions
The Met Office advised the general public, “especially children, women and senior citizens”, to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, and stay hydrated. Farmers were also urged to manage crop activities and livestock care in light of the extreme weather.
Emergency protocols already activated
The warning comes just days after at least 10 people died across Karachi on Monday, when the mercury surged to 44.1°C, the city’s highest temperature since 2018. In response, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued sweeping emergency protocols and placed hospitals on high alert as above-normal summer temperatures threaten millions nationwide.
