ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast intermittent rain, gusty winds, and hailstorms across various parts of the country from Friday, offering a respite from the intense heatwave that has currently gripped much of the nation.
The rain system, expected to persist from 13 to 16 June, is likely to bring relief to the upper and central regions of Pakistan, where temperatures have soared well above seasonal averages.
According to the PMD, humid air is entering the upper parts of the country while a westerly wave is expected to affect the region from Friday.
This weather shift is likely to result in thundershowers, hailstorms, and gusty winds across Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, and various districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Chitral, Swat, Dir, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Kohistan.
Rain and wind activity is also forecast in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and other parts of northern and central Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Jhelum, as well as in southern Punjab, upper Sindh, and parts of Balochistan such as Zhob, Barkhan and Musakhel.
The PMD forecast that hailstorms are possible in a few isolated locations during this period.
The current heatwave, among the most severe in recent years, has seen temperatures climb as high as 48°C in desert and lowland areas.
The Cholistan Desert in southern Punjab remains particularly hard-hit, with water reservoirs drying up and local communities forced to migrate in search of water and shade.
The scorching conditions have also resulted in the deaths of numerous livestock due to dehydration and heat stress.
In Lahore, the temperature on Thursday reached 44°C, but the perceived heat index — due to intense dryness — made it feel as high as 50°C. The PMD warned that heat intensity in the city had peaked at an alarming 60°C.
Quetta and Gwadar reported temperatures of 31°C, while Sibi, one of the hottest cities in the country, recorded 46°C. Other areas such as Khuzdar, Loralai, and Turbat saw temperatures ranging between 36°C and 42°C.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also endured high temperatures, with Peshawar recording 40°C and forecasts predicting it may rise to 44°C. Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu reported 47°C.
Humidity levels in Peshawar remained high at 52%, while regional temperatures were 6–7°C above normal.
The PMD stated that a noticeable drop in temperatures is expected once the weather system moves in, with rainfall likely to bring temporary relief to heat-stricken areas.
Authorities have advised the public to stay indoors during peak heat hours, remain hydrated, and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
The Punjab Health Department reported 67 cases of heatstroke across the province during the first ten days of June alone.
