RAWALPINDI: Mercury rose to 44°C in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Wednesday, which is the highest in the current summer season, while weather pundits predicted rain in the area from Thursday evening.

Sizzling heat forced the people to stay indoors. Less rush was witnessed in the markets while doctors advised the people to adopt safety measures, increase the use of beverages and water, and avoid direct exposure to the sun.

Water shortage reported in many cantonment and city areas on Thursday. Due to less green areas in the garrison city, the people visiting bazaars took shelter under the shades.

The met official told Dawn that the mercury rose to 44°C in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and it will decrease for the next two to three days after rain. She said that it was the pre-monsoon period and such rise in temperature is normal in the Potohar region.

However, she said that rain will lash the twin cities on Thursday night and Friday morning, and it will decrease the mercury level.

She said that a seasonal low lies over north Balochistan and adjoining areas. A high-pressure system is present in the upper atmosphere. A westerly wave is likely to approach the upper parts from tomorrow, while moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also likely to penetrate the northeastern parts from tomorrow.

“Mainly hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, with very hot weather in plain areas. Windstorm accompanied with isoalted rain-thunderstorm is likely in Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir, upper/southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and upper/northeastern Punjab during evening/night,” she said.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026