Heatwave Alert in Punjab: Lahore and 20+ Cities May Reach 48°C from June 8–11

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a formal heatwave alert for Punjab, warning of a significant and dangerous rise in temperatures across the province over the coming days.

According to the advisory, maximum temperatures are projected to remain 5–7°C above seasonal norms between June 8 and 10, with readings forecast to touch 41–44°C in Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Gujrat. The heat is expected to be even more intense across central and southern Punjab, where temperatures could climb between 44°C and 48°C from June 8 to 11. Districts falling within this extreme heat zone include Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Okara, Kasur, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rajanpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Mianwali, Noor Pur Thal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, and Joharabad.

The PDMA has further cautioned that overnight temperatures are expected to remain abnormally elevated throughout the forecast period. There is also a risk of isolated dust storms developing in parts of southern Punjab as a result of the intense heat buildup.

In response, all district administrations and relevant government departments have been directed to activate preventive and emergency response measures without delay. District Disaster Management Authorities and local bodies have been instructed to roll out public awareness campaigns covering heatwave risks and safety precautions, while education authorities are required to take appropriate steps to protect schoolchildren from the extreme conditions.

Health departments and district administrations have been tasked with mapping vulnerable localities and establishing dedicated heatstroke treatment centres, fully equipped with trained medical staff, essential medicines, basic treatment infrastructure, and adequate drinking water supplies.

Local authorities are additionally required to put in place clear emergency response protocols for heatwave-related incidents. Emergency supplies — including first aid kits, ORS and electrolyte solutions, cooling equipment, and water dispensers — are to be pre-positioned strategically across both urban and rural zones. Communication systems are to be strengthened to ensure timely delivery of weather alerts, safety guidance, and information about the locations of cooling centres, shelters, and medical support points.

Cooling centres are to be set up in coordination with stakeholders, with priority given to densely populated and high-risk localities, particularly for residents without access to air conditioning or cooling facilities. Emergency response teams — including Rescue 1122, fire services, the Forest Department, and local administrations — have been placed on full alert to address potential forest and urban fire incidents and to implement all necessary preventive actions during the heatwave period.