PMD Issues Severe Heatwave Alert Across Pakistan as Temp. Approaching 50 Degree Celcius
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has officially issued a severe heatwave warning for many parts of the country, specially punjab. The alert covers Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. The ongoing hot weather is expected to continue until at least June 13, with daytime temperatures rising 4°C to 7°C above normal for this time of year.
Some areas have already recorded extremely high temperatures:
- Bhakkar was the hottest, reaching 50°C.
- Dera Ghazi Khan and Noorpur Thal hit 49°C.
- Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Layyah, and Mandi Bahauddin each recorded 48°C.
- Bahawalnagar, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khanewal, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot reported temperatures around 47°C.
- Major cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Peshawar are experiencing 45–47°C as well.
Due to rising humidity, the heat is feeling even worse:
- Multan: 46°C with 56% humidity
- Dera Ghazi Khan: 46°C with 42% humidity
- Sargodha: 47°C with 52% humidity
- Lahore: 46°C with 36% humidity
This combination of high temperature and humidity makes it feel much hotter and increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.
In upper and southern Punjab, “Hot Day Warnings” have been issued, with dry, dusty winds expected in the afternoons. Karachi and parts of Sindh are also under heatwave advisories, where temperatures may climb 4°C to 6°C above average, reaching between 40°C to 45°C.
Precautions and Government Measures
Authorities have issued public guidelines to stay safe:
- Avoid outdoor activities during 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Wear lightweight and light-colored clothes.
- Drink plenty of clean water to avoid dehydration.
Government departments have taken the following steps:
- Heatstroke centers have been set up in major hospitals.
- Cold water arrangements have been made at public places and bus stops.
- Areas like Cholistan are being monitored for emergency response due to extreme conditions.
