Extreme Heatwave Conditions to Grip Southern Pakistan in Next 24 Hours — Met Office Warns

Heatwave Alert Issued by PMD

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has officially warned that heatwave-like conditions in southern Pakistan will prevail over the next 24 hours. This spike in temperatures is expected to affect central and southern Punjab, most of Sindh, and southern Balochistan, with temperatures rising 4–7°C above normal.

The Met Office advisory released on Tuesday calls for immediate public action, emphasizing that vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and women should avoid direct sun exposure and maintain hydration throughout the day.

“General public especially children, women and senior citizens are requested to take precautionary measures,” said the PMD. “Avoid exposure to sunlight during the daytime and get hydrated.”

This intense heatwave mirrors previous patterns observed across the region in recent years, as extreme weather becomes increasingly common due to climate change.

Westerly Wave to Bring Rain and Thunderstorm

While the southern parts face extreme heat, the upper regions of Pakistan are expected to see a shift in weather. According to the PMD, a shallow westerly wave is expected to enter the country Tuesday night and may persist until Friday.

The system is likely to bring rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to:

• Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra

• Abbottabad, Battagram, Bunner, Kurram, Bajaur

• Mohmand, Orakzai, Murree, Galliyat

• Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir

• Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal

• Talagang, Mianwali, Jhelum, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, and Lahore

Additional Weather Warnings:

• Isolated hailstorms may occur

• Dust-storms and strong winds in upper Sindh and Punjab

• Damage potential to solar panels, trees, electric poles, and vehicles due to lightning and gusts

Precautionary Guidelines Issued for Public

With extreme heat and volatile weather on the horizon, the PMD has issued a list of precautionary measures for residents across the country:

Public Safety Tips:

• Stay indoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Drink plenty of water and fresh juices

• Avoid outdoor physical activities

• Wear loose, light-colored clothing

• Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles

Farmer and Agricultural Advisory:

• Reschedule wheat harvesting and irrigation activities

• Provide adequate shade and water for livestock

• Use water resources judiciously

These measures are crucial to avoid heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory stress during heatwave-like conditions in southern Pakistan.

Climate Change Behind Extreme Weather Events

Pakistan has been facing frequent, erratic weather events over the past decade — a trend that scientists strongly link to global climate change.

Among the most alarming examples:

• 2022 floods caused by unusually heavy monsoon rains

  • Over 1,700 lives lost

  • $30 billion in economic damage

  • At least 30 million people affected

• Rising temperatures have triggered glacier melting, heatwaves, cyclones, and droughts.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that Pakistan is among the most climate-vulnerable nations, and without global action, such weather extremes will only escalate.

“Pakistan’s geography makes it highly susceptible to climate shocks,” said a recent UN report. “There is a pressing need for climate resilience and early warning systems.”

For more on climate vulnerability, visit the World Bank Climate Portal.

Conclusion and Summary

In summary, heatwave-like conditions in southern Pakistan pose a serious risk to human health, livestock, agriculture, and infrastructure over the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, a westerly wave will affect the upper regions with storms and possible hail, urging preparedness across the board.

Key Takeaways:

• Temperatures to rise 4–7°C above normal in Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan

• Thunderstorms and hailstorms expected in northern regions

• Citizens urged to stay indoors, stay hydrated, and secure outdoor equipment

• Climate change is intensifying Pakistan’s weather patterns

Internal Linking Suggestions:

• What to Do During a Heatwave in Pakistan

• How to Prepare Your Home for Thunderstorms

• Pakistan’s Climate Crisis Explained