Temperatures will remain well above normal across the country, reaching up to 51°C in Sindh and Balochistan.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned on Saturday that heatwave conditions were likely to develop across large parts of the country from June 7 to 12, as a high pressure system would form in the upper atmosphere, pushing temperatures significantly above normal levels.
According to a weather advisory issued by the Met Office, the high pressure system is expected to develop on June 8 and persist until June 11, triggering intense heat in several areas.
“Heatwave conditions are likely to develop over the country from June 7 to 12 under the influence of an anticyclonic system in the upper atmosphere,” the PMD said.
Read: PMD warns of a hot and dry June ahead
The department warned that some districts of Sindh and Balochistan may experience extreme temperatures between 48°C and 51°C during the forecast period.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, maximum temperatures are expected to remain 4-6°C above normal and may reach 41-46°C in Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan from June 8-11. Temperatures in Chitral, Dir, Swat and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to be between 37-40°C from June 8 to 10.
The PMD said temperatures in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Bagh and Muzaffarabad may remain 5-7°C above normal, reaching between 41-44°C from June 8-10.
Across Punjab, mercury levels are expected to rise to between 44 and 48°C in Lahore, Okara, Kasur, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Joharabad, Khushab, Mianwali, Noor Pur 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 11.
The Met Office said temperatures in Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo-Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Sibbi, Turbat and Panjgur are likely to remain 4-6°C above normal and may rise to between 48-51°C from June 7 to 12.
Karachi is also expected to experience very hot weather during the forecast period, with maximum temperatures likely to be between 40 and 43°C from June 8 to 12.
The ministry noted that nighttime temperatures would also increase, which could worsen discomfort and heat stress.
Read also: Dust storm and rain forecast in the upper part of the country from June 2 to 5: PMD
“Due to intense warming, dust storms may occur at isolated places of southern Punjab and Sindh during the forecast period,” the advisory said.
Warning of possible impacts of the heatwave, the PMD urged the public, especially children, women and the elderly, to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“The general public is advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and to stay hydrated,” the department said.
Farmers have been advised to plan their crop-related activities based on the prevailing weather conditions and take measures to protect livestock from heat-related stress.
The Met Office also warned that electricity demand and consumption was likely to increase during this period and called for the judicious use of water in all aspects of life.
The PMD urged relevant authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to avoid any adverse situation during the heatwave. It added that daily weather updates would remain available through its official website and mobile app.
