Intense heatwave puts much of country on alert
• Temperatures forecast to hit an extreme 50 degrees Celsius in southern districts
• Disaster management authorities on high alert, relief camps being set up
RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday issued heatwave warnings for central, southern and upper parts of the country, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 50 degrees Celsius from May 7 through May 11.
PMD and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab have asked all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situations.
The Met Office said that due to the presence of high pressure in the upper atmosphere, heatwave conditions are likely to develop.
The heatwave is forecast for the country’s central and southern parts from May 7 to May 11 and for the upper parts from May 8 to May 10.
Daytime maximum temperatures may rise to 46-50°C in Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Nausheroferoze, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Sibbi, Turbat and Panjgur.
Temperatures are expected to reach 43-47°C in Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Rajanpur, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
In the country’s upper parts, including Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kohat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Okara and Kasur, temperatures are forecast to hit 39-43 °C.
In Karachi, very hot weather is expected, with the maximum temperature likely to remain between 35-38 degrees Celsius during the forecast period.
In response to the forecast, Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed directed all commissioners and deputy commissioners to stay alert and make all necessary arrangements to handle the situation.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, night temperatures are also likely to remain above normal, and there is an increased risk of dusty winds and storms.
Separately, the PMD Regional Meteorological Centre in Lahore issued a “Hot Day Alert”, stating that southern districts of Punjab will experience these conditions for the next five days, with a likelihood of the situation escalating to a “Hot Day Warning” over a 10-day period.
Central districts of the province are also likely to experience “Hot Day Alert” conditions during the same period.
Due to the extreme heat, the authority also noted that the speed of snow melting in the northern regions may increase, and relevant agencies have been directed to monitor the situation closely.
In response, the PDMA said relief camps are being established in urban areas to provide clean water, oral rehydration salts (ORS) and first aid.
Mobile health teams will also be active to address cases of heatstroke and dehydration in a timely manner, while the Rescue 1122 service has been ordered to remain on high alert for immediate assistance.
Some relief is in sight for the upper parts of the country as the Met Office said that a shallow westerly wave is likely to affect the region from the evening of May 10.
This system is expected to persist until May 13 and is likely to bring relief from the prevailing hot conditions in those areas.
The authorities have issued strong advisories for citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, women and the elderly.
The general public is advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and to remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Farmers have been specifically instructed to manage their crop activities in line with the weather conditions and to take preventative measures to protect their crops and livestock from the extreme heat.
Imran Gabol in Lahore also contributed to this report
Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2026