Scorching heatwave grips Pakistan; temperatures soar to 48°C

A blistering heatwave continued to grip large parts of the country on Tuesday, with temperatures in some regions expected to reach a scorching 48°C in the coming days, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned.

According to the Met Office, temperatures across southern Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan are likely to remain 4 to 6°C above normal. In central and upper parts of the country — including Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and upper Punjab — the mercury could rise by 5 to 7°C above average daytime temperatures.

In Punjab, Lahore is expected to experience a high of 43°C, while Bahawalpur may touch 45°C. Dera Ghazi Khan is likely to be one of the hottest spots with temperatures forecast at 47°C. Multan is expected to reach 44°C, Sargodha 45°C and Rawalpindi 40°C.

In Sindh, Karachi will remain relatively cooler at 36°C, but inland cities like Hyderabad (42°C), Sukkur (45°C) and Nawabshah (46°C) will endure intense heat.

Balochistan’s Sibi is expected to be among the hottest places in the country with temperatures forecast to touch 48°C. Quetta and Gwadar are likely to record highs of 38°C and 36°C respectively.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will also not be spared from the heat, with Peshawar forecast at 44°C, Bannu 41°C and Dera Ismail Khan 45°C. In the north, Gilgit is expected to reach 36°C and Rawalakot 30°C. The federal capital Islamabad will witness temperatures as high as 42°C.