KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Wednesday warned that a severe heatwave is likely to affect large swathes of the country, particularly the central and southern regions, from May 7 to May 11, with upper parts expected to experience extreme conditions from May 8 to May 10.
According to the Met Office, the heatwave is being driven by a persistent high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere. Daytime maximum temperatures are forecast to soar to 46–50 Celsius in several districts of Sindh and Balochistan, including Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushero Feroze, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Sibbi, Turbat and Panjgur.
Temperatures in the range of 43–47 Celsius are expected in parts of south and central Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Rajanpur, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
In the upper and central parts of the country, maximum temperatures are likely to remain between 39–43 Celsius in cities such as Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kohat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Okara and Kasur.
For Karachi, the Met Office said very hot weather is expected to persist during the forecast period, with maximum temperatures likely to remain between 35°C and 38°C.
Separately, in its Karachi Division forecast for Thursday, the Met Office said temperatures may range from 35–37 Celsius, while on Friday (May 8), the maximum is forecast between 34 and 36 Celsius. Morning humidity is expected to remain high at 75–85 percent, with evening humidity between 50–65 percent. Winds are likely to blow from the west to southwest throughout the period.
It added that a shallow westerly wave is likely to affect the upper parts of the country from the evening or night of May 10 and may persist until May 13, which could bring some relief from the prevailing hot conditions in those areas.
Issuing health and safety advisories, the Met urged the general public particularly children, women and senior citizens to take precautionary measures, avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight during daytime, and stay well hydrated. Farmers were advised to plan agricultural activities, including wheat harvesting, in line with the weather outlook and to ensure proper care of livestock.
The public was also requested to use water judiciously, while all concerned authorities were advised to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent any untoward situations during the heatwave period.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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