PMD warns of heatwave across country next week

Published June 7, 2026 Updated June 7, 2026 05:53am

• Predicts temperatures may rise by up to 7°C above normal
• Says high-pressure system likely to persist in upper atmosphere

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a countrywide heatwave next week, with temperatures rising by up to seven degrees Celsius above normal.

A high-pressure system is likely to develop and persist in the upper atmosphere next week, the Met Office predicted.

Under the influence of this system, heatwave conditions are expected to prevail across the country from June 7 to June 12. Maximum temperatures are likely to remain 4°C to 6°C above normal and may rise to 41°C to 46°C in the districts of Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan from June 8 to June 11. Tem­pe­ra­tures of 37°C to 40°C are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat and Gilgit-Baltistan during these days.

In Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Bagh and Muzaffarabad, maximum temp­eratures may rise to 41-44°C from June 8 to June 10. Tem­per­a­tures may reach 44-48°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 from June 8 to June 11.

Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larka­­na, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Sibi, Turbat and Panjgur may experience above 50°C for the next few days.

Very hot weather is also expe­c­ted in Karachi during the forecast period, with maximum temperatures likely to remain bet­w­een 40°C and 43°C from June 8 to June 12. The PMD warned that night-time temperatures are also likely to rise during this period. Owing to intense heating, dust storms may occur at isolated pla­ces in southern Punjab and Sindh.

Extra caution advised

The department advised that children, women and senior citizens should exercise extra caution during the heatwave. Far­m­e­­rs have been advised to plan crop-related activities in line with prevailing weather conditions and take care of their livestock.

People have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm and to remain adequately hydrated.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2026