Temperatures in Lahore reportedly soared to a felt high of 50 degrees Celsius, with the heat intensity peaking at a scorching 60°C, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced on Thursday. The department warned that this intense heatwave is expected to continue for another 24 hours, with potential temperature increases of an additional 7°C.
The ongoing heatwave persisted across Lahore, registering actual temperatures of 44°C and a reported heat intensity of 47°C, according to the Meteorological Department. Officials indicated that the “felt” temperature, or heat index, reached as high as 50°C, with peak intensity levels experienced up to 60°C.
Meteorological authorities attributed these extreme conditions to a prolonged period of dry weather between May and June.
The department stated that the heatwave is likely to endure for the upcoming 24-hour period, with the possibility of temperatures climbing by another 7°C. However, a potential reprieve is anticipated with a weather system forecasted to enter Lahore on June 14, which could bring a reduction in temperatures.
Meanwhile, the Health Department reported 67 cases of heatstroke across various districts of Punjab during the first ten days of June. These incidents were directly linked to the escalating temperatures and prolonged exposure to the severe heat.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Met Department confirmed that the heatwave remained severe across most districts, including Peshawar, where the temperature reached 40°C and is projected to rise to 44°C. Humidity levels in the provincial capital were recorded at 52%. The department further noted that temperatures in the region had increased by 6 to 7°C compared to seasonal averages.
Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu experienced peak temperatures of 47°C. Light rainfall has been predicted for Peshawar and various other Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts starting from Friday.
Officials recorded temperatures approaching 48°C across a significant portion of the Cholistan Desert. The Meteorological Department anticipates the intense heat to persist in southern Punjab for the next two days.
Local residents in the Cholistan region reported that desert water reserves have completely dried up, leading to severe hardship for livestock. Reports from affected areas highlighted instances of livestock deaths and forced migration due to the scarcity of water from dried-up wells and the overwhelming extreme temperatures.
