A severe heatwave has taken hold across much of Pakistan, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warning of temperatures reaching up to 48°C in the coming days. The scorching conditions are expected to persist through the weekend, raising health concerns and prompting emergency measures across multiple provinces.
According to the PMD, southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan will bear the brunt of the heat, with temperatures likely to remain 4 to 6°C above normal. In central and northern areas — including Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and upper Punjab — the rise could be even steeper, with daytime highs 5 to 7°C above average.
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In Punjab, Lahore is expected to reach 43°C, Bahawalpur 45°C, and Dera Ghazi Khan a scorching 47°C. Multan, Sargodha, and Rawalpindi are forecast at 44°C, 45°C, and 40°C respectively.
In Sindh, Karachi will remain relatively cooler at 36°C, but cities like Hyderabad (42°C), Sukkur (45°C), and Nawabshah (46°C) are set to face intense heat.
Balochistan’s Sibi is forecast to be among the hottest locations, potentially reaching 48°C. Quetta and Gwadar may record highs of 38°C and 36°C.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will also face the brunt, with Peshawar at 44°C, Bannu at 41°C, and Dera Ismail Khan at 45°C. In the north, Gilgit could reach 36°C, while Rawalakot may record 30°C. The federal capital Islamabad is likely to touch 42°C.
The PMD has forecast that the heatwave will persist until at least Sunday, with the most intense heat expected on May 22 and 23. “Hot and dry weather is likely to prevail in most parts of the country, particularly the plains,” the department stated.
Some isolated showers and thunderstorms may provide temporary relief in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, upper KP, and nearby hilly regions on Friday and over the weekend.
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Public health officials have urged citizens to take precautions, especially during peak sunlight hours. People are advised to stay indoors, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with medical conditions are at particular risk.
In response to the ongoing crisis, hospitals in heat-affected regions have been placed on high alert. Provincial governments have directed emergency units to prepare for potential cases of heatstroke, dehydration, and related complications.
