Heatwave havoc: Pakistan sizzles as temperatures soar

ISLAMABAD: A blistering heatwave is sweeping across Pakistan and subjecting citizens to soaring temperatures. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned of some areas experiencing mercury levels surpassing 50 degrees Celsius.

The Met Office reported temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius in Dadu and Mohenjo Daro. The heatwave is especially severe in Sindh and Punjab provinces.

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The PMD warned that cities across the country were experiencing particularity high temperatures. Temperatures reached 48 degrees Celsius in Sukkur, Nawabshah, and Sibi. While, Dera Ghazi Khan registerd 47 degrees Celsius.

Similarly, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ismail Khan record 46 degrees Celsius.

Other cities in the grip of the heatwave include Hyderabad, Turbat, Nokundi, Faisalabad, Multan, and Sahiwal, where temperatures soared to 45 degrees Celsius.

Even cities known for relatively milder climates experienced scorching temperatures. Bannu experienced temperatures of 43 degrees Celsius, while Attock and Chakwal recorded 42 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, Lahore reached 39 degrees Celsius, Islamabad 38 degrees Celsius, Karachi 36 degrees Celsius, and Peshawar 41 degrees Celsius.

However, the PMD forecast rain accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Potohar region, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Kashmir.

The authorities advised citizens to take precautionary measures to avoid heat-related illnesses. Citizens were encouraged to remain indoors during peak daylight hours, stay hydrated, and avoid physical outdoor activities.

Children, elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and were advised to take extra precautions.

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Communities came together to provide relief measures, as well. Many set up cooling centers while others distributed water and other essentials to people most affected.