The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a severe heat alert across most parts of the country as temperatures continue to soar to dangerous levels. Citizens have been urged to take precautionary measures amid an ongoing heatwave that shows no signs of abating in the coming days.
Daytime temperatures are forecast to reach between 45°C and 50°C, particularly during the peak hours of 11 am to 4 pm. Major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, and many districts in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are expected to endure intense heat and dry conditions. The Met Office has confirmed that no significant rainfall is expected to provide relief in these regions.
Adding to the urgency, an international weather monitoring company has ranked seven Pakistani cities among the top 15 hottest places on Earth as of June 10, 2025. Dera Ismail Khan leads the list as the hottest city globally, recording a blistering 48.4°C. Jacobabad follows closely with 48°C, securing the second spot worldwide.
Other Pakistani cities featured in the extreme heat rankings include Sibi and Bahawalnagar, with temperatures of 47.4°C and 47°C, respectively. Additionally, Jhelum, Multan, and Sialkot each reached 46°C or higher. These temperatures place Pakistan at the forefront of the current global heatwave crisis.
In Punjab, strong dusty winds are expected during afternoons, which may exacerbate the already harsh conditions. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s plains will experience sweltering heat, though light rainfall is predicted in the upper mountainous areas such as Chitral, Dir, and Swat. Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are also expected to remain hot and dry with no significant rainfall.
Health authorities have issued warnings, especially for vulnerable groups including women, children, and the elderly, advising them to stay indoors during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and wear light, loose-fitting clothing to prevent heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Medical experts have also cautioned against unnecessary travel and urged people to seek shade and closely monitor symptoms of heat exhaustion.