The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has warned of a prolonged heatwave gripping Punjab, with scorching conditions expected to persist until June 13.
According to the PDMA spokesperson, temperatures across the province are running up to 7°C above normal, with intense heat forecast for major cities, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Rawalpindi.
Southern Punjab districts, such as Multan, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Sahiwal, are bracing for particularly severe heatwave conditions.
The Meteorological Department reported extreme temperatures across the region. Bhakkar recorded a high of 49.5°C, with a “feels-like” temperature of 53°C due to humidity. Sargodha hit 46°C but felt like an oppressive 62°C. Dera Ismail Khan reached 48°C, while Bahawalpur’s 45°C felt like 56°C. In Shaheed Benazirabad, the heat was recorded at a staggering 57°C.
Other cities reported high temperatures, including 44°C in Larkana (feels like 51°C), 46°C in Sibi, 45°C in Faisalabad, 44.5°C in Lahore, and 44°C in Multan. Islamabad and Peshawar both recorded 43.5°C, while Muzaffarabad saw 40.5°C. Karachi and Quetta, relatively cooler, recorded 33.5°C.
The PDMA has advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and ensure the safety of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children.