ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Sunday issued a warning regarding an impending heatwave, forecasting mainly hot and dry weather across most parts of the country for the next 48 to 72 hours.
According to the advisory, a persistent dry spell will keep daytime temperatures between 3°C and 5°C above normal in the central and southern plains of Punjab, while Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to see a rise of 2°C to 4°C above the seasonal average.
Even the federal capital and its surrounding areas are not exempt, with Islamabad bracing for temperatures well above the norm. With temperatures expected to soar significantly above average, authorities have urged the public to exercise extreme caution and limit outdoor exposure during peak daylight hours.
Met Office officials have specifically warned that the heat will be most intense between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Citizens are advised to take necessary precautionary measures, including staying hydrated and avoiding direct sunlight, as the heat index is expected to rise sharply in the coming days.
In the provincial breakdown, the plains of Punjab and Sindh remain the most vulnerable. While Murree and the Galliyat regions will also experience dry conditions, the southern districts of Punjab are likely to bear the brunt of the temperature spike.
In Balochistan, the heat will be particularly felt in the northeastern and southern districts. Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are expected to remain dry following a brief spell of isolated rain and thunderstorms over the past 24 hours.
Data recorded on Saturday highlighted the severity of the arriving summer, with Shaheed Benazirabad hitting a blistering 46°C, followed by Sibbi and Mithi at 45°C. In the major urban centres, Lahore recorded a maximum of 40°C, while Multan reached 41°C.
Despite the soaring temperatures in the plains, light rainfall was reported in parts of Astore, Skardu, and Muzaffarabad, providing temporary relief to the northern highlands before the dry weather takes hold nationwide.
Read also: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa latest weather updates
