Rawalpindi and Islamabad recorded their highest temperatures of the summer season on Wednesday, with the mercury rising to 44°C in both cities, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The intense heat kept many residents indoors, reduced activity in markets and prompted health experts to advise people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight and take precautionary measures against heat-related illnesses.
Water shortages were also reported in several areas of Rawalpindi and its cantonment regions amid the extreme weather.
A PMD official said temperatures are expected to decline over the next two to three days as rain is forecast for Thursday night and Friday morning.
The official said the current weather conditions are typical of the pre-monsoon period in the Potohar region. A seasonal low-pressure area is present over north Balochistan and adjoining areas, while a westerly weather system is expected to approach the upper parts of the country. Moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also likely to enter northeastern regions.
The PMD has forecast mainly hot and dry weather across most parts of the country, with very hot conditions in plain areas. However, windstorms and isolated rain-thunderstorms are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, upper and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and upper and northeastern Punjab during the evening and night.
