Islamabad, April 27, 2026: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday issued a heatwave alert, warning of a sharp rise in temperatures across several parts of the country in the coming days.
According to the advisory, mild heatwave conditions are expected to develop in southern Pakistan from April 29 to May 3, with temperatures likely to remain significantly above seasonal norms.
The PMD said that while the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions currently remain neutral, most plain areas are expected to experience extreme heat. It added that there is a 61 per cent probability of El Niño conditions developing between May and July, which could further influence regional weather patterns.
The weather department forecast a notable increase in temperatures across South Punjab, Upper Sindh, and Balochistan over the coming days. Mercury levels are expected to remain 4°C to 6°C above normal, with daytime temperatures in plains potentially reaching between 43°C and 45°C.
The PMD has advised the public to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, particularly during peak afternoon hours.
Health experts have also warned that prolonged heatwave conditions may pose serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, urging citizens to take precautionary measures.
Meanwhile, upper regions of the country are expected to experience relatively cooler conditions due to incoming westerly weather systems. These systems are likely to affect northern areas from the night of April 27 to April 29, and again from May 3 to May 5, resulting in a temporary temperature drop of 2°C to 4°C.
However, officials cautioned that the heat intensity is expected to rise again after May 1, with intermittent heatwave conditions likely to persist.
Climatological records indicate that May and June are typically the hottest months in Pakistan, particularly in South Punjab, Upper Sindh, and southern and eastern Balochistan, where temperatures frequently reach extreme levels.
In severe heatwave episodes, temperatures in these regions can soar as high as 52°C, while the normal range during peak summer remains between 43°C and 45°C.
Recent observations suggest that temperatures in heat-prone areas are already running 2°C to 4°C above normal, raising concerns over an early and potentially intense start to the summer season.
