Dadu Records Scorching 49°C as Deadly Heatwave Grips Pakistan — PDMA Issues Sindh Alert

A severe heatwave has taken hold across Pakistan, with Dadu recording the country’s highest temperature of 49 degrees Celsius on Thursday, closely followed by Sibi at 48°C. The extreme conditions have stretched from Sindh to the north, affecting every major urban centre simultaneously.

Karachi, despite its coastal position, has not been spared. The city’s maximum temperature climbed to 39°C, while the heat index — the felt temperature accounting for humidity — pushed conditions to a suffocating 45°C for residents. Further inland, Lahore recorded a high of 41°C, Peshawar reached 42°C, and Islamabad logged 40°C, signalling the nationwide scale of the crisis.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) responded by issuing a formal heatwave alert covering all of Sindh, including Karachi, valid from June 8 to June 12. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) attributed the crisis to a high-pressure system thyat has built up in the upper atmosphere, creating conditions that are sustaining and intensifying the heat across the province.

According to the PMD advisory, maximum temperatures are expected to remain “4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal” throughout the forecast window — a significant deviation that health authorities say meaningfully elevates the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly for vulnerable groups.

The PDMA specifically urged residents to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours and called on employers to ensure adequate protection for outdoor labourers. Authorities placed particular emphasis on the safety of children, the elderly, and those managing pre-existing health conditions, who face the greatest risk during sustained high-heat events.

Beyond the immediate health danger, officials warned of rising strain on the power grid, as cooling demand during heatwaves routinely triggers electricity shortfalls across Pakistan. Citizens have been asked to use electricity and water conservatively throughout the period, as pressure on both utilities is expected to intensify before conditions ease after June 12.