Pakistan braces for severe heatwave as temperatures to soar further

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted mainly hot and dry weather in most parts of the nation within the next 24 hours with intense heat in the plains.

Isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected in Kashmir and nearby hilly regions, while the rest of the country will be generally dry, according to the meteorological forecast.

The PMD has also issued a heat wave notice, saying that temperatures are projected to climb steadily throughout most plain areas of Pakistan from June 9 to June 12.

Upper portions of the country might have daytime temperatures 4C to 6C above normal, while southern and lower parts may be 5C to 7C over seasonal averages, officials added.

It was very hot in several regions on Sunday. The hottest temperature was 49°C at Sibi.

Other noteworthy values were 48 degrees Celsius in Dadu and Noorpur Thal, while Jacobabad, Sukkur, Khairpur, Turbat and Mohenjo-daro recorded 47 degrees Celsius.

Major cities recorded maximum temperatures of 46°C in Dera Ghazi Khan, 45°C in Bahawalpur and Multan, 43°C in Lahore and Faisalabad, 42°C in Peshawar, and 40°C in Islamabad and Muzaffarabad.

Authorities are urging the people to limit direct sun exposure during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of fluids and take other precautions as the heat wave strengthens.