KARACHI: While the Met Department has issued a forecast for some relief from sweltering heat, cities across the country continued to sizzle under record temperatures on Friday, Dawn.com reported.
The perceived or ‘Feels Like’ temperature crossed 50 degrees Celsius in at least four cities as a week-long heatwave persisted across Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab.
Several parts of Pakistan are currently experiencing an intense spell of extreme heat, with temperatures soaring well above normal across many regions.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Bahawalpur recorded a temperature of 46°C, but the perceived temperature reached 55.8°C — the highest in the country.
The highest temperature was recorded in Sibbi at 47 degrees Celsius with extremely hot and dry weather and humidity levels of seven per cent.
Karachi recorded a temperature of 39°C at 2pm with a humidity level of 48pc.
However, the perceived temperature was recorded at 50.4°C.
The Met Office heat index has warned of danger with probable risk of heatstroke, cramps, and exhaustion at temperatures from 41 to 54°C.
Temperature in Faisalabad and Sargodha was 46°C, Dera Ismail Khan and Multan 45°C, Lahore 44°C, Sialkot and Islamabad 43°C, Rawalpindi 42°C, Peshawar 41°C, Muzaffarabad 40°C, Quetta 35°C and Gilgit 30°C.
However, perceived temperatures in Sialkot and Lahore was 51.4°C and 51.1°C, respectively.
The extreme weather pattern highlights the global impact of climate change with continued rise in temperatures to record levels.
Heatwave to subside
An advisory issued by the Met Office on Thursday forecast gusty winds and rain in the northern and central parts of the country over the weekend.
It said the severe heatwave is likely to subside during the period.
According to the advisory, moist currents are penetrating in upper parts of the country and a westerly wave is also likely to approach upper parts on June 13.
Under the influence of this weather system, rain, duststorm and thunderstorm are expected in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Mansehra, Battagram, Shangla, Kohistan and Abbottabad with occasional gaps.
A similar weather, with isolated hailstorms, is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Bannu, Karak, D.I. Khan, Waziristan, Zhob, Barkhan and Musakhel.
Rainfall is also expected in all districts of southern Punjab and upper Sindh during the period.
People have been advised to exercise caution during rainfall as gusty winds might damage electric poles, trees, vehicles and solar panels.
Farmers have been advised to manage crop activities in view of the weather conditions, while tourists should check forecasts before making travel arrangements.
Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2025