Pakistan Faces Severe Heat as Sindh Temperature Hits 49°C

Pakistan remained in the grip of intense heat on Saturday as temperatures climbed to extreme levels in parts of Sindh, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department recording the day’s highest temperature of 49°C in Dadu. The severe weather conditions reinforced concerns over public health, power demand and outdoor work across several regions of the country.

According to the reported figures, Jacobabad followed closely at 48°C, while Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana and Mohenjo-Daro each touched 47°C. These readings show that upper Sindh and adjoining areas continue to face some of the harshest heat conditions as the country moves deeper into the pre-monsoon summer spell.

The Met Office forecast that most parts of Pakistan would remain hot and dry on Sunday as well. However, it said some upper and northern areas could receive rain, strong winds and thunderstorms, creating sharply different weather patterns between the extremely hot plains and comparatively unstable mountain regions.

In its advisory, the weather department urged citizens to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, remain hydrated and take precautionary steps during the ongoing heatwave conditions. The warning is especially important for labourers, commuters, elderly citizens, children and people with existing health problems.

Islamabad and surrounding areas are expected to remain hot and dry during the day, while partly cloudy conditions may develop later, with chances of rain, thunderstorms and strong winds at night. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, most districts are forecast to stay hot and dry, though upper areas including Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Malam Jabba, Kohistan, Bajaur, Kalam and Chitral may see isolated rain and thunderstorms.

Punjab is also likely to experience mainly hot and dry weather, but Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Rawalpindi and nearby areas may receive dust storms, thunderstorms and rain in the evening or night. Central and southern Punjab could also face dust-laden winds, which may reduce visibility and create additional difficulties for road users.

Balochistan’s southern districts are expected to remain under severe heat, while Sindh is likely to continue facing hot and dry conditions, particularly in its upper belt. Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan may see partly cloudy weather with rain and thunderstorms at isolated locations.

Pakistan’s recurring heatwaves have become a major seasonal challenge, affecting agriculture, health services, labour productivity and urban life. High temperatures increase water demand, strain electricity systems and raise the risk of heatstroke, dehydration and other heat-related illnesses in densely populated areas.

Authorities and citizens will now be watching whether the expected rain in northern areas brings any meaningful relief or remains limited to isolated pockets. Until temperatures ease, public precautions, timely weather alerts and careful management of outdoor activity will remain essential across the country.