As Karachi prepares for a significant spike in temperatures, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heatwave alert for the port city and surrounding areas. The weather is expected to turn extremely hot and dry over the next two days, with daytime temperatures projected to soar between 39°C and 41°C on Thursday and Friday.

The PMD also forecasts strong, gusty winds to accompany the searing heat, making outdoor conditions increasingly uncomfortable. Most of Sindh province will experience similar hot and dry weather, although isolated rain showers may occur in select areas of upper Sindh, including Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, and Khairpur. Thunderstorms and dust storms could also develop in Badin and Tharparkar.

Rising Heat Follows Days of Destructive Weather Elsewhere

This heatwave follows a stretch of severe weather that has wreaked havoc across northern and central Pakistan. Multiple provinces were affected by intense storms, resulting in at least six fatalities, including two children, and injuries to more than two dozen individuals.

In Muzaffarabad’s Bhalgran area, a devastating cloudburst claimed three lives, leaving one person missing. In Punjab’s Attock district, a storm-related incident killed one person and injured five others. In Multan, a young girl tragically died after a wall collapse, and several injuries were reported in Rawalpindi, Mianwali, Hazro, and Shamsabad due to structural failures and falling debris.

Damage to Crops, Infrastructure, and Public Safety

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rains and hailstorms damaged homes and wheat fields in areas like Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, and Abbottabad. In Swabi, a child lost their life and two women were injured after a roof collapsed. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed damage to crops and roadways, further straining local infrastructure.

The capital city, Islamabad, also faced a strong windstorm that uprooted trees and billboards. The intensity of the storm forced many residents to seek cover under flyovers and bridges, anticipating possible hail.

Continued Weather Alerts Issued

The PMD reports that moist air currents are currently sweeping through upper and central Pakistan, while a westerly weather system is expected to impact the northern regions today. This combination is likely to trigger additional thunderstorms, strong winds, and hailstorms across Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, KP, and Balochistan.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also issued warnings about the risk of landslides in GB and KP, especially in mountainous districts such as Mansehra, Upper Kohistan, Diamir, Gilgit, Hunza, and Nagar.

Public Advisory and Emergency Response

Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to limit travel, remain indoors during peak weather activity, and stay updated via local broadcasts or the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App. The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has mobilized response teams to handle emergencies and assist with evacuation if needed.

As the climate continues to deliver extremes—scorching heat in the south and destructive storms in the north—Pakistan faces yet another test of its disaster preparedness and climate resilience. Citizens are advised to take necessary precautions, stay hydrated, and remain alert as conditions evolve.