Heatwave to continue, no rain predicted till May

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that the ongoing heatwave will persist across the country until April 30.

No rain is expected before May, the PMD said in its latest advisory.

A strong high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere is pushing temperatures well above normal, especially in southern and central regions.

In Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan, daytime temperatures are expected to remain 5 to 7°C higher than usual. In central and northern parts — including Punjab, Islamabad, KP, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan — temperatures will be 4 to 6°C above normal.

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Multan, Lahore, and Peshawar are likely to cross the 40°C mark, while Nawabshah has already recorded a blistering 48°C, the highest so far this season.

Coastal areas like Karachi will experience slightly milder temperatures between 36 and 38°C. However, high humidity at 76% and light sea breezes will offer only limited relief.

The heatwave is impacting multiple sectors. Agriculture is facing heavy losses as crops fail and water shortages worsen, raising fears about food security and rural livelihoods.

Hospitals are also under pressure, with a surge in heat-related illnesses among outdoor workers, the elderly, and children.