RAWALPINDI: The heat wave gripped the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Monday, and frequent power cuts continue to make life tough for the people.

The twin cities have sizzled with a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, forcing people to stay indoors.

The Met Office recorded a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, while it predicted the temperature would rise further till June 11.

The met official said that a seasonal low is prevailing over north Balochistan and adjoining areas, while a high-pressure system is present in the upper atmosphere over the country, which is likely to intensify during the next 24 to 48 hours, causing a gradual rise in daytime temperatures.

“No significant moist currents are penetrating into the country at present. Mainly hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while very hot in plain districts,” he said.

As warning of Pakistan Meteorological Department from June 8 to June 12, Daytime temperatures are expected to gradually increase across most plain areas of the country.

Daytime temperatures in the upper parts of the country are likely to remain 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal, while temperatures in the lower parts are expected to remain 5-7 degrees Celsius above normal.

The Met Office recorded the highest maximum temperature in the country in Sibbi at 49 degrees Celsius, Dadu at 48 degrees Celsius, Turbat and Jacobabad at 47 degrees Celsius.

The thin traffic flow was observed on all the main roads of the twin cities, and the bus stops remained empty due to the hot weather. The business activity was also out of gear in the main markets and bazaars as people preferred to stay indoors to avoid sizzling heat.

Repeated power cuts in twin cities affected in one way or the other, from students to office-goers and from businessmen to housewives and children.

Doctors urged the public to take precautions against the harsh effects of the heat wave. They advised avoiding direct exposure to the sun and ensuring a maximum intake of water or salted Lassi to prevent dehydration due to excessive sweating.

They also advised farmers, labourers and such people working outside to start and complete their work as early as possible in the morning, before the sun got unbearable. They also advised avoiding eating raw or overripe fruits and vegetables that may cause diarrhoea due to bacteria.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2026