ISLAMABAD: A severe heatwave that has been affecting large swathes of Pakistan for several consecutive days is expected to persist until at least April 23, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Monday.
According to the Met Office, the ongoing heatwave, which began intensifying in mid-April, has already led to extreme weather conditions in parts of Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. The scorching temperatures are expected to continue with little to no relief, raising public health concerns, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.
The Met Office forecast stated that Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab would remain under the influence of extreme heat and dry conditions throughout the week, with strong afternoon winds expected particularly in upper Sindh and southern Punjab. The department warned of high daytime temperatures that may surpass seasonal averages by as much as 5 to 8 degrees Celsius in some regions.
In Karachi, where heat and humidity are often a dangerous combination, the temperature was forecast to climb to 41 degrees Celsius on Monday, with a minimum of 27°C. Winds blowing at 6 km/h from the northwest offered little comfort, while humidity hovered between 50 and 60 percent, making the heat feel even more oppressive. The Met Office added that no rainfall is expected in the city in the coming days, leaving Karachiites to brace for more hot and sticky weather.
Lahore, too, has seen a steady rise in temperature over the past several days, with citizens complaining of increasing discomfort and dehydration. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 37°C and a minimum of 21°C on Monday, with no relief in sight for the next 24 hours. The forecast indicated continued hot and dry conditions, prompting authorities to urge citizens to limit unnecessary outdoor activity, stay hydrated, and take precautionary measures against heatstroke.
In interior Sindh, towns such as Jacobabad, Larkana, and Sukkur have seen daytime highs consistently breaching 42°C, with reports of heat exhaustion and reduced outdoor labor activity. Similarly, southern and central Punjab, including Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan, are facing the brunt of the heatwave.
Though Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir are generally cooler, the PMD said that isolated rain accompanied by strong winds may occur in these areas during the week, which could provide some localised relief from the heat.
Climate experts have noted that heatwaves in Pakistan are becoming more frequent, prolonged, and intense, a trend that aligns with global patterns linked to climate change. The prolonged dry spell and absence of early spring rainfall have further exacerbated the situation, drying out the soil and increasing fire risk in forested and agricultural regions.
Health authorities across the country have issued advisories, urging people to avoid sun exposure during peak hours, wear light clothing, and drink plenty of fluids.
As the country continues to grapple with climate vulnerabilities, experts are calling for improved infrastructure, awareness campaigns, and early warning systems to better prepare communities for recurring weather extremes like heatwaves.
