Pakistan Heatwave Alert: PMD Warns of Extreme Temperatures

Pakistan is facing a fresh nationwide heatwave warning as the Pakistan Meteorological Department cautioned that temperatures are expected to climb sharply from June 7 to June 12. The alert, issued as a high-pressure system strengthens in the upper atmosphere, has placed major urban centres, agricultural districts and vulnerable communities on notice for several days of dangerous heat.

According to the forecast, temperatures across large parts of the country may remain four to seven degrees Celsius above normal. The most severe conditions are expected in upper Sindh and parts of Balochistan, where several districts could experience maximum temperatures between 48°C and 51°C during the warning period.

Sindh districts including Sukkur, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Larkana, Qambar Shahdadkot, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur and Naushero Feroze have been identified among the most exposed areas. In Balochistan, Sibbi, Turbat and Panjgur are also expected to remain under extreme heat stress as daytime temperatures rise well above seasonal averages.

The Met Office has also warned that Karachi is likely to experience very hot weather, with maximum temperatures forecast between 40°C and 43°C from June 8 to June 12. The warning is significant for the country’s largest city, where high humidity, dense population, power demand and limited shaded public space can intensify health risks during prolonged hot spells.

Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also expected to feel the impact. Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal and several other Punjab districts may see temperatures between 44°C and 48°C, while Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan could record highs from 41°C to 46°C.

Officials have advised citizens, particularly children, elderly people and women, to take extra precautions during peak daytime hours. The public has been urged to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm, drink sufficient water and reduce outdoor activity where possible to lower the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

The warning also carries implications for farmers, livestock owners and daily wage workers, who are often forced to remain outdoors despite extreme conditions. Agricultural communities have been advised to adjust crop-related work, protect animals from heat stress and use water carefully as demand rises across households, farms and commercial activity.

Pakistan has repeatedly faced severe heatwaves in recent years, with Sindh and Balochistan among the regions most vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Climate-related stress, rapid urbanisation, deforestation and pressure on energy and water systems have made heat events more disruptive, especially for low-income communities with limited access to cooling and healthcare.

The immediate challenge for authorities will be to keep emergency services, hospitals, power utilities and local administrations prepared during the forecast period. With electricity consumption expected to rise and night temperatures likely to offer limited relief, the coming days will test public health planning, civic response and household-level preparedness across the country.

#PakistanHeatwave #PMDAlert #ExtremeTemperatures #HealthNews #BreakingNews