Sana Khalid 
Pakistan is bracing for another spell of extreme weather as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning under Pakistan heatwave alert 2026 for the next 72 hours. Officials said temperatures in some places could soar to as high as 47C to 50C, especially in the southern and central parts of the country.
Pmd Predicts A Temperature Rise Of 5 To 10 Degrees Celsius Above Normal
In its forecast, the PMD said that temperatures would remain 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal seasonal levels in many districts, with some interior areas likely to experience spikes of up to 10 degrees Celsius above average.
Meteorologists have blamed the harsh weather on the ongoing circulation of high pressure over the region, which prevents clouds from forming and allows the sun to warm the clouds during the day.
Sindh Is One Of The Most Affected Regions
Sindh is likely to face some of the severest conditions of the ongoing heatwave cycle. Some districts may be nearing the 50 °C mark, especially in the interior areas where dry winds and long exposure to the sun exacerbate the conditions.
Cities and districts at risk of severe heat are:
- Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Dadu, Mohenjo-daro, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad
Karachi is also likely to face discomforting weather, though the sea breeze might give some relief from the extreme heat as compared to the interior districts. But humidity is expected to play a role in dangerous heat index readings of 35°C to 38°C.
Authorities in Sindh have stepped up monitoring and warned residents to minimise outdoor activity during peak daytime hours.
- South Punjab, Central Areas to Witness Intense Heat
Punjab is also expected to witness a widespread heatwave condition, particularly in the southern parts, where the mercury may breach the 50°C mark.
Expected extreme conditions include areas such as the:
- Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan
Unusually high daytime temperatures above the seasonal averages are also expected over the central and upper Punjab, including Lahore and Faisalabad.
Provincial authorities are still working with health departments and disaster management agencies to keep emergency services fully functional during the heatwave.
- Balochistan, Other Areas Experience Higher Temperatures
Severe heat stress warnings are also issued for the northern and southern districts of Balochistan. Sibi and Turbat are expected to experience scorching daytime heat with desert winds.
The PMD said the high temperatures are not limited to southern Pakistan alone. The dominant atmospheric pattern is also likely to bring hotter-than-normal weather conditions to upper regions, including parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad.
Public Health And Infrastructure Effects
Extreme heatwaves pose a serious challenge for public health systems, electricity infrastructure and water supply management. Authorities are closely watching hospitals, emergency response teams and utility services across Pakistan to minimise the hazards of extended periods of intense heat.
Health experts are warning that over the next several days, there will be a sharp rise in heatstroke, dehydration, exhaustion and respiratory complications, particularly among:
- Older citizens
- Kids
- Outdoor workers
- People with long-term illnesses
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has advised provincial administrations to ensure the uninterrupted availability of water and emergency cooling facilities and preparedness to treat heatstroke at health care centres.
Authorities Announce Public Safety Guidelines
Pakistan’s disaster management and health authorities have issued detailed safety advisories asking citizens to adopt preventive measures throughout the period of the heatwave.
The precautions advised are:
- Drinking water throughout the day, regularly
- Use oral rehydration solution (ORS) when needed
- Avoid direct sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m
- Light, loose-fitting cotton garments
- Hats, umbrellas or scarves in the open air
- Taking regular shade breaks when working outdoors
Families are also encouraged to check on elderly family members, young children and those with medical conditions who may be more susceptible to heat-related illness.
Agriculture And Livestock Sector Pressures
The ongoing heatwave could also place a temporary strain on Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Farmers are being urged to be cautious with their irrigation schedules and to keep livestock out of the sun for long periods during the day.
Agricultural departments suggest:
- Continuous access to water for animals
- Increasing availability of shaded shelter
- Move farm operations to cooler times
- Observations of heat-stress-sensitive crops
Livestock management is particularly important in rural areas, where heat stress can persist for extended periods.
Pakistan Steps Up Emergency Preparedness For Heatwave
Despite the dire forecast, Pakistan’s federal and provincial institutions are continuing to scale up preparedness efforts to mitigate risks during the heatwave emergency. In the affected regions, rescue departments, hospitals, municipal administrations and utility authorities remain on high alert.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s new warning of extreme heatwave is a sign of tough weather for millions of citizens in Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and other areas. Temperatures are forecast to reach around 50 degrees Celsius, and authorities are continuing to work on emergency preparedness, healthcare preparedness and public awareness campaigns.
