ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a nationwide heatwave warning, forecasting extremely high temperatures across large parts of the country from June 7 to June 12, with some areas expected to record temperatures as high as 51 degrees Celsius.
According to the PMD advisory, several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan, are likely to experience temperatures between 41°C and 46°C from June 8 to 11, which is four to six degrees Celsius above normal.
In the northern regions, including Chitral, Dir, Swat and Gilgit-Baltistan, temperatures are expected to range between 37°C and 40°C from June 8 to 10.
The PMD said Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Bagh and Muzaffarabad are expected to witness temperatures between 41°C and 44°C during June 8-10.
In Punjab, the heatwave is expected to intensify from June 8 to 11, with temperatures ranging from 44°C to 48°C in Lahore, Okara, Kasur, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Joharabad, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah and Kot Addu.
The advisory warned that southern districts of Sindh and Balochistan are likely to experience the most severe conditions. Temperatures in Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Sibi, Turbat and Panjgur may reach between 48°C and 51°C from June 7 to 12.
Karachi is also expected to remain under intense heat, with temperatures forecast between 40°C and 43°C from June 8 to 12.
The PMD noted that night temperatures are also likely to remain above normal, reducing relief from the extreme daytime heat.
Meteorologists have further warned of dust storms in parts of southern Punjab and Sindh due to prevailing weather conditions.
The department advised the public, particularly children, women, senior citizens and people with health conditions, to take precautionary measures during the heatwave. Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 10am and 4pm, and to remain adequately hydrated.
Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities according to weather conditions and ensure proper care of livestock during the intense heat.
The PMD also warned that electricity demand is expected to rise significantly during the forecast period due to increased use of cooling appliances.
Earlier this week, the department predicted below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across most parts of Pakistan during the June-August period.
According to the seasonal outlook, the Indian Ocean Dipole is currently neutral but is expected to shift into a positive phase by July 2026, while the El Niño-Southern Oscillation has entered an El Niño phase that is likely to strengthen further during the season.
As a result, normal to below-normal rainfall is expected across much of the country, with northeastern Punjab likely to experience the largest rainfall deficit. The PMD’s probability outlook also indicates a strong likelihood of below-average rainfall in Punjab, Sindh, southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and most parts of Balochistan.
Meanwhile, average temperatures are expected to remain above normal nationwide throughout the summer season, with the highest temperature anomalies forecast for eastern Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and adjoining areas of northern Punjab.
