Pakistan is reeling under an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring beyond 45°C in several regions, including Sindh, south Punjab, and Balochistan. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that the heat will continue, with daytime temperatures expected to remain 4 to 7°C above seasonal norms in the coming days.
Cities like Jacobabad, Dadu, Nawabshah, and Mohenjo Daro have already crossed 47°C, while Larkana and Sibi reported 46°C. Even Karachi, though slightly cooler, is facing added stress from high humidity and rising power demand.
Relief, however, is on the horizon — albeit brief and limited. The PMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall between April 9 and April 11 in northern parts of the country, including:
- Islamabad
- Upper Punjab
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir
The rain, brought by a western disturbance, is expected to cool temperatures slightly — by around 2 to 4°C — but only temporarily. Another wave of westerly winds is projected around April 17, which may bring further rain and gusty winds to northern and central Pakistan.
Weather analysts also predict strong winds across the plains of Punjab between April 10 and 12, which could offer short-term relief from the oppressive heat.
The public is advised to stay indoors during peak hours, keep hydrated, and avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight. Authorities are being urged to address electricity load shedding and prepare hospitals for heatstroke-related emergencies.
This prolonged heatwave and erratic weather patterns are being seen as another warning sign of climate change’s growing impact on Pakistan’s vulnerable geography.
