Severe heatwave conditions have engulfed most parts of Pakistan, with temperatures soaring well above seasonal averages. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued warnings of extreme heat persisting across the country until at least May 19.
The highest temperatures have been recorded in Sindh, where Dadu and Sukkur districts scorched at 43°C. Other areas including Larkana, Jacobabad, and Bhakkar saw the mercury hit 42°C, while Multan, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, and Sahiwal registered 41°C.
In Lahore, temperatures reached a sweltering 39°C, followed by Peshawar at 38°C and Islamabad at 37°C. Karachi recorded a relatively lower temperature of 34°C, although the “feels-like” temperature touched 39°C due to high humidity.
The PMD stated that the mercury is expected to remain 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal in upper parts of the country including central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan until May 19. In southern regions comprising Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan temperatures are forecast to remain 4 to 6 degrees above normal until May 20.
Medical experts have advised the public to take precautionary measures by staying hydrated, avoiding exposure during peak heat hours, and remaining indoors as much as possible to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Relief, however, may be on the horizon. The PMD forecasts a westerly weather system entering upper parts of the country on May 19, bringing chances of rainfall in Kashmir, Islamabad, the Pothohar region including northeast Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan on May 19 and 20.
Authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions during the ongoing extreme weather spell.