Met Office warns of countrywide extreme temperatures until May 31

Pakistan’s Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued a severe heatwave alert during the Eid holidays, warning that extremely high temperatures are expected to continue across much of the country until 31 May.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the Met Office said there was a possibility of light rain in Rawalpindi and parts of the Potohar region, offering limited relief from the intense heat.

In the federal capital, several areas of Islamabad received rainfall, making the weather more pleasant and reducing the impact of the soaring temperatures. Cool winds following the showers added to the festive atmosphere of Eid celebrations and brought temporary relief to residents.

Earlier, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned that daytime temperatures in Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Jhang and Dera Ghazi Khan, along with other cities in southern Punjab, could remain four to seven degrees above normal and rise to nearly 50 degrees Celsius.

In central and upper Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Sialkot, temperatures are expected to reach around 42 degrees Celsius during the same period.

The authority also noted that night-time temperatures would remain higher than average, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

PDMA Director General Omar Javed advised the public, particularly children and elderly people, to avoid direct exposure to sunlight between 10am and 5pm. He also urged citizens to drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated during the heatwave.

People were further advised to wear caps or use umbrellas when leaving their homes in order to reduce the effects of the extreme weather conditions.

Reporter: Muhammad Awais