A severe heat wave continues to grip large parts of Pakistan, with temperatures reaching dangerously high levels, posing health risks across the country.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Lahore is expected to endure a blistering 42°C today, while Islamabad and Peshawar will likely see the mercury hit 41°C. Meanwhile, Quetta and Karachi are forecasted to remain relatively cooler, with highs around 36°C, although parts of Karachi may also reach 40°C, keeping the coastal city under heat stress.
The PMD has also predicted evening and nighttime rain showers for northern and mountainous regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir, offering a brief respite from the heat in those areas.
The ongoing heat wave has driven up demand for cold drinks and cooling solutions across the country, but has also sparked concerns about heatstroke and dehydration, particularly in Punjab, where citizens are facing intense discomfort. In some regions, road surfaces have begun to melt due to extreme heat.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a formal heat wave alert, advising residents to take safety measures. A PDMA spokesperson warned that temperatures could spike further by May 19, intensifying the heat wave across Punjab’s plains and urban centers.
As per PMD data, Lahore is currently experiencing significantly above-average temperatures, with the minimum at 28°C and maximum expected to climb up to 43°C. The hot and dry spell is likely to continue for the next 48 to 72 hours, with no rain forecast for the lowland areas.
Health authorities are urging the public to stay well-hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, and use head coverings to prevent sunstroke. Extra care is recommended for children, the elderly, and individuals with health conditions, as they are most vulnerable to heat-related illness.
