Pakistan has been gripped by an intense heatwave, making it the hottest place on Earth in the past 24 hours. Mohenjo-daro recorded a staggering 53 degrees Celsius, marking it as the hottest location globally.
Over the last day, temperatures in nine to ten cities across Pakistan soared to 50 degrees Celsius or higher. In Jacobabad, the mercury hit 52 degrees Celsius, while Dadu recorded 51 degrees Celsius. Other cities, including Khanpur, Khairpur, Larkana, Padidan, Sukkur, Sibi, and Rohri, all experienced 50 degrees Celsius. Rahim Yar Khan, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kot Addu, and Shaheed Benazirabad saw temperatures reaching 49 degrees Celsius.
The heatwave extended to Multan, Dera Ismail Khan, and Turbat, where temperatures rose to 48 degrees Celsius. In cities like Sakrand, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Jhang, Joharabad, Layyah, Kasur, and Noor Pur Thal, temperatures hovered around 47 degrees Celsius.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Hyderabad and Lahore recorded temperatures of 44 degrees Celsius, while Peshawar saw 43 degrees Celsius. The capital, Islamabad, along with Muzaffarabad, recorded temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius.
In Karachi, the weather remains hot and humid, with temperatures expected to range between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department has predicted that Dadu and Mohenjo-daro will see temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, while citizens in Sukkur and Nawabshah are bracing for 48 degrees Celsius.
Southern and central districts of Punjab are also enduring the heatwave, with Bahawalpur expected to reach 47 degrees Celsius and Lahore and several other districts anticipated to hit 44 degrees Celsius or higher.
The severe heatwave has led to deserted markets and empty streets during the daytime in many parts of Sindh, where temperatures of 48 to 50 degrees Celsius have become the norm. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has set up heatwave counters in hospitals and urged relevant departments to remain on alert, ensuring the provision of clean water in Cholistan districts.
The PDMA spokesperson warned that the heatwave is expected to persist, with temperatures ranging between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius in Punjab. Chief Minister’s directives have prompted heightened preparedness and response efforts to mitigate the impact of the heatwave.