No letup in heatwave this week, predicts met office

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that heatwave conditions are likely to grip the country throughout the week.

In its daily weather advisory, the Met Office said a high-pressure system is expected to persist in the upper atmosphere during this period, leading to heatwave.

As a result, daytime temperatures in southern parts of the country — including Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan—are expected to stay 4 to 6°C above normal from May 20 to 24.

Meanwhile, in the northern regions — including central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan —temperatures are forecast to remain 5 to 7°C above average during the same period.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy, with no rainfall predicted. In Azad Kashmir, strong winds and thunderstorms with rain are expected, which could help ease weather intensiy in the region.

Thunderstorm and rain is expected in Murree, Galiyat, and surrounding areas, which may bring a slight drop in temperatures.

Meanwhile, the weather in the federal capital, Islamabad, is expected to remain hot and dry.

The PMD also cautioned that dust storms and gusty winds may occur in plain areas due to the intense heat.

Health authorities have urged people to drink plenty of water and cold fluids, avoid direct sunlight, and wear head coverings for protection. They advised extra caution for vulnerable groups—children, the elderly, and those with health issues—to prevent heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

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