Heatwave likely to grip several parts of Pakistan from June 7-12: PMD

Islamabad (Web Desk): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has cautioned that a severe heatwave is expected to affect several parts of the country from June 7 to June 12, as a strong high-pressure system is likely to develop in the upper atmosphere on June 8 and continue until June 11.

In its advisory issued on Saturday, the Met Office stated that temperatures are set to rise well above seasonal averages across large areas of the country.

In some districts of Sindh and Balochistan, conditions may turn extreme, with mercury levels potentially climbing between 48°C and 51°C.

For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the forecast indicates that temperatures will stay around 4°C to 6°C higher than normal. Between June 8 and June 11, daytime highs in districts such as Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, and Dera Ismail Khan are expected to range from 41°C to 46°C. In contrast, comparatively moderate conditions will prevail in Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Gilgit-Baltistan, where temperatures are likely to remain between 37°C and 40°C from June 8 to June 10.

In and around the federal capital region, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad, temperatures are projected to remain 5°C to 7°C above normal, reaching 41°C to 44°C during the period from June 8 to June 10.

Punjab is expected to face an intense and prolonged spell of heat, with temperatures forecast to fluctuate between 44°C and 48°C in cities and districts such as Lahore, Okara, Kasur, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Joharabad, Khushab, Mianwali, Noor Pur Thal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah, and Kot Addu from June 8 to June 11.

Meanwhile, Sindh and Balochistan are likely to experience the harshest conditions, where temperatures may remain 4°C to 6°C above normal and rise sharply to 48°C–51°C in areas including Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushero Feroze, Sibbi, Turbat, and Panjgur between June 7 and June 12.

Karachi is also expected to remain under intense heat throughout the forecast window, with maximum temperatures ranging from 40°C to 43°C from June 8 to June 12.

The Met Office added that nighttime temperatures will also stay elevated, which may further intensify discomfort and heat stress for residents. It also warned that strong surface heating could trigger dust storms in isolated areas of southern Punjab and Sindh.

Authorities have been urged to remain vigilant as the heatwave may pose serious risks to public health and disrupt daily routines. Citizens, particularly children, women, and elderly individuals, have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and to ensure adequate fluid intake.

Farmers have been encouraged to adjust their agricultural schedules accordingly and take necessary precautions to protect livestock from heat-related stress.

The advisory also noted that electricity demand is likely to rise sharply during this period.

The department further appealed for responsible and careful use of water and called on relevant institutions to stay prepared to manage any emergencies during the heatwave. It added that updated weather information can be accessed through its official website and mobile application.