Lahore is currently experiencing a brutal heatwave, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reporting that temperatures have felt as high as 50 degrees Celsius, and the heat intensity reaching a scorching 60°C on Thursday.
The PMD warns that this intense heat is likely to continue for another day, and temperatures could potentially increase by another 7°C. While the actual temperature in Lahore reached 44°C, the heat intensity was reported at 47°C. However, officials stated that the felt temperature soared to 50°C, with the peak intensity hitting 60°C. The prolonged dry spell between May and June is being blamed for this extreme weather. Relief might be on the horizon, as a weather system is expected to arrive in Lahore on June 14th, potentially lowering temperatures.
The Health Department has already reported a concerning 67 cases of heatstroke across Punjab in the first ten days of June, all linked to the rising temperatures and prolonged exposure to the extreme heat.
The heatwave is also impacting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Met Department reports severe conditions across most districts, including Peshawar, where temperatures reached 40°C and are expected to climb to 44°C. Humidity in Peshawar was recorded at 52%, and temperatures have risen by 6 to 7°C compared to the usual seasonal averages. Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu saw temperatures peaking at 47°C. Fortunately, light rainfall is forecast for Peshawar and other KP districts starting Friday.
Southern Punjab, particularly the Cholistan Desert, is also feeling the brunt of the heat, with temperatures nearing 48°C. The Meteorological Department anticipates the intense heat to continue there for the next two days. Compounding the issue, local residents report that water reserves in the desert have dried up, causing severe hardship for livestock. There are reports of livestock deaths and forced migration as animals and their owners struggle with the dried-up wells and extreme temperatures.
