Large parts of Pakistan continue to reel under an intense heatwave as temperatures soar well above seasonal averages, prompting emergency alerts from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and the Met Department.
A spokesperson from PDMA said that the ongoing heatwave in Punjab is expected to continue until June 12, with temperatures likely to stay 4 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal.
On Monday, Sargodha was the hottest city in Punjab with the temperature reaching 47°C. Other cities like Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad also faced intense heat, with temperatures rising up to 45°C. In Balochistan, Sibi also recorded a temperature of 45 degrees.
PDMA officials warned that the heatwave will be especially intense in areas like Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Multan.
The Met Department reported that most parts of Pakistan, including Islamabad, upper and central Sindh, Balochistan, and the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are going through extreme heat. In Islamabad, the temperature reached 43°C, which is four degrees higher than the usual for this time of the year.
Other notable highs recorded on Monday include:
Faisalabad and DI Khan: 44.5°C
Larkana: 44°C
Peshawar, Multan, Bahawalpur: 43°C
Muzaffarabad: 40°C
Quetta and Gilgit: 35°C
Karachi: 34°C
In response to the emergency, PDMA Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that heatwave counters have been established in all hospitals, and clean drinking water is being ensured in Cholistan districts.
He added that, on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, all relevant institutions are on high alert to respond to any heat-related emergencies.
The Met Department has urged the public, especially children, the elderly, and women, to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun and remain hydrated to prevent heatstroke.
“Continuous intake of water and staying indoors during peak heat hours are critical,” said the department’s spokesperson.
