Heatwave Alert: Temperatures to Rise 6–8°C Above Normal

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert, warning that most regions of the country are likely to face unusually high temperatures in the coming days, with particularly severe conditions expected in the southern parts starting Monday, April 14.

According to the Met Office, a strong high-pressure system is expected to develop over the upper atmosphere from Sunday, April 13, which will trigger heatwave conditions across much of Pakistan.

Between April 13 and 18, daytime temperatures in the southern regions—including Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan—are forecasted to rise 6 to 8°C above the seasonal average. Meanwhile, areas in the central and northern regions, including Islamabad, central and upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, will experience temperatures that are 4 to 6°C higher than normal from April 14 to 18.

Unusual warmth is also expected during the evenings, yielding little relief from the daytime heat, after weather conditions become intense enough to produce duststorms and windstorms, especially in sensitive areas. Even though these conditions may pose a hazard to lightly placed infrastructure (i.e., electric poles, trees, solar panels) and parked motor vehicles.

Citizens; particularly older adults, children, women, and people with pre-existing conditions, should remain indoors at peak hours of sunlight, limit full body exposure to the sun, and remain hydrated throughout the day.

In North, in the mountainous counties, warming temperatures can also accelerate snowmelt, potentially altering water flow in rivers and streams between April 14 and 18.

This heatwave alert comes amid growing concern over the early arrival of extreme summer conditions in South Asia, which scientists are increasingly linking to the effects of climate change. Experts have warned that over a billion people in the region could be vulnerable to heat-related health risks and environmental impacts.

Read More: Islamabad Weather Update: Sunny with High of 33°C Expected