As Pakistan grapples with an intense heatwave, historical sites and modern cities alike are sweltering under unprecedented temperatures. Karachi is bracing for a scorching week, with temperatures anticipated to exceed 40 degrees Celsius due to a change in wind direction on May 29 and May 30, according to Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz. He noted a slight temperature drop in the upper and central parts of Sindh after May 27.
Mohenjo Daro and Larkana, two significant locations in Sindh, have become the hottest places in the country, with temperatures soaring to a blistering 53 degrees Celsius. Jacobabad followed closely, recording 52 degrees Celsius, as confirmed by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The Met Office forecasts that these extreme conditions will persist in the region for another five to six days.
Over the weekend, Thatta was the sole area in Sindh to register temperatures below 40 degrees. On Sunday, the Met Office predicted that heatwave conditions would likely prevail in the plains over the next 24 hours, while hot and humid weather is expected along the coast.
South Punjab swelters
In South Punjab, Khanpur in the Rahim Yar Khan district recorded a maximum temperature of 50.2 degrees Celsius. Other cities also faced extreme heat, with Bahawalpur reaching 48 degrees, Sargodha 46 degrees, and Lahore hitting 43 degrees. These high temperatures are expected to continue throughout the week, according to the PMD.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experiences severe heat
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also experiencing harsh weather, with Dera Ismail Khan recording the highest temperature at 44 degrees Celsius on Sunday, followed by Bannu at 43 degrees. The Met Office has warned of severe heat in the southern districts, where daytime temperatures are likely to be 2 to 5 degrees above normal. However, there is a possibility of thundershowers in Upper Dir, Swat, Mansehra, and Kohistan, offering a brief respite from the heat.
Health and safety measures
The extreme temperatures pose serious health risks. Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change, highlighted the increased vulnerability of children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Pregnant women are particularly at risk during such heatwaves. Shaikh advised avoiding outdoor activities between 11 AM and 3 PM, the hottest part of the day.
To mitigate the heatwave’s impact, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) is actively ensuring continuous water supply in the Cholistan desert, among other measures.
As Pakistan endures this severe heatwave, authorities and residents alike are urged to take necessary precautions to protect health.