A powerful heatwave continued to affect large parts of Pakistan on Wednesday, with soaring humidity and light winds pushing the heat index to hazardous levels in several cities, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Sibi recorded the highest heat index in the country, where the actual temperature reached 42°C but the 'feels like' temperature climbed to 68.2°C due to extremely high humidity.
Other Cities Hit by Extreme Heat Index
Several other cities also experienced dangerous conditions. Bahawalnagar reported 42°C with a heat index of 56.7°C, while Dera Ismail Khan recorded 41°C with a perceived temperature of 55.8°C. Dadu registered 43°C, with its heat index also reaching 55.8°C. Sargodha experienced 40°C with a heat index of 52.7°C, followed by Hyderabad at 39°C with 51.6°C and Sukkur at 40°C with 51.3°C. Despite an actual temperature of 37°C, Sheikhupura's heat index climbed to 50.8°C.
Urban Centers Swelter
Faisalabad recorded 40°C with a perceived temperature of 49.5°C, while Peshawar reached 40.5°C, with the heat index touching 49°C. Bahawalpur reported 40°C with a heat index of 48.3°C. Humidity also intensified conditions in Sialkot, where the temperature of 35.5°C felt like 45.6°C. Islamabad recorded 36.5°C with a heat index of 44.4°C, while Lahore's 35.5°C felt like 41.9°C. Karachi registered 34°C, but residents experienced a perceived temperature of 41.8°C.
Health Risks and Precautions
Weather experts said the combination of high humidity and weak winds was making conditions significantly more oppressive than the actual temperatures, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Authorities urged the public to minimise outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, wear light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing, and take extra precautions to protect children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions from prolonged exposure to the extreme heat.
