Islamabad, April 25, 2025 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a strong heatwave warning, forecasting a significant rise in temperature across the country due to the development of a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere. The heatwave is expected to begin on April 26 and persist through April 30, affecting both southern and northern regions of Pakistan.
According to the PMD, the high-pressure weather system will form on April 26 and intensify by April 27, gripping most parts of the country. As a result, daytime temperatures are projected to rise 5°C to 7°C above normal in southern areas including Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan from April 26 to May 1. In contrast, the upper half of the country—covering central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan—will experience temperatures 4°C to 6°C above average from April 27 to April 30.
The PMD has also indicated that temporary relief may arrive starting May 1, when another weather system is expected to bring rain, thunderstorms, and possibly hailstorms to parts of Kashmir, the Pothohar region, northeast Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Health authorities and the PMD are urging the public to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. Vulnerable groups including children, the old-age, and women are advised to avoid exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours and to stay well-hydrated throughout the day. The surge in temperature could also accelerate the rate of snowmelt in northern mountainous regions between April 27 and May 1.
Farmers have been advised to plan wheat harvesting with care and take protective measures for livestock. The PMD also highlighted potential risks from strong winds, dust storms, and lightning, which may affect infrastructure such as electric poles, vehicles, trees, and solar panels, particularly on April 30 and May 1.
The public is further encouraged to conserve water as rising temperatures may strain existing resources. Authorities at local and provincial levels have been directed to remain on alert and implement necessary safety measures to reduce the impact of the anticipated temperature spike.