| Weather & Climate Desk | May 2026 | 4 min read |
| ⚡ Quick Takeaways
• PMD has forecast heatwave conditions across southern and central Pakistan from May 7–11, extending to upper regions May 8–10, driven by high atmospheric pressure. • Daytime temperatures of 46–50°C are expected in Sindh and Balochistan cities including Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Turbat and Sibbi. • At least 10 people died in Karachi on Monday as temperatures reached 44.1°C — the highest recorded in the city since 2018 — accompanied by continental hot winds. • NDMA has issued emergency protocols and placed hospitals on alert nationwide in response to above-normal summer temperatures threatening millions. • Relief is expected in upper regions from May 10–13 when a westerly system is forecast to bring cooler conditions to northern Pakistan. |
Pakistan is in the grip of an intense early-summer heatwave, with PMD forecasting daytime highs of up to 50°C across large swathes of Sindh and Balochistan between May 7 and 11. The crisis has already claimed lives — at least 10 people died in Karachi on Monday as temperatures hit their highest since 2018 — prompting the NDMA to activate emergency health protocols and place hospitals on alert nationwide.
| Peak Forecast Temp | Heatwave Period | Karachi Deaths (Mon) |
| 46–50°C (South) | May 7–11, 2026 | At Least 10 |
PMD Forecast: Where Will It Be Hottest?
PMD attributes the heatwave to high-pressure in the upper atmosphere suppressing cloud formation and trapping heat. Southern and central regions are affected first, with the heat band expanding northward through the week.
The most extreme temperatures — 46 to 50°C — are forecast for cities across interior Sindh and eastern Balochistan, including Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Ghotki, Dadu, Sibbi, Turbat and Panjgur. These are among the hottest regularly inhabited places on Earth in summer, and temperatures at this level pose an acute risk of heatstroke even for healthy adults spending any significant time outdoors.
Temperature Zones: May 7–11, 2026
| Zone | Max Temp | Areas |
| Extreme | 46–50°C | Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Nausheroferoze, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Sibbi, Turbat, Panjgur |
| Severe | 43–47°C | Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Rajanpur, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan |
| High | 39–43°C | Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kohat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Kasur and others |
| Karachi | 35–38°C | Very hot conditions; high humidity expected |
| ⚠️ Extreme Risk Zone
Jacobabad and Sukkur historically record some of the highest wet-bulb temperatures on Earth — a measure combining heat and humidity that determines whether the body can cool itself. At 46–50°C dry bulb temperatures, even low humidity creates life-threatening conditions for outdoor exposure lasting more than a few minutes. |
Karachi: 10 Deaths, 44.1°C and the Highest Reading Since 2018
The toll in Karachi is the starkest indicator of the heatwave’s severity. At least 10 people died on Monday as temperatures surged to 44.1°C — the highest since 2018. Continental hot winds blowing from the inland desert stripped away moisture and eliminated any coastal breeze relief.
The city’s urban heat island effect amplifies the impact in lower-income neighbourhoods with limited cooling access. Karachi’s forecast 35–38°C carries health risks comparable to higher dry temperatures inland, given its humidity — a factor behind PMD’s explicit ‘very hot’ warning for the coastal city.
| 📌 NDMA Emergency Response
NDMA issued sweeping emergency protocols, placed hospitals on alert and directed health authorities to prepare for heat-related illness surges — reflecting recognition that this is an acute public health emergency, not a routine warm spell. |
Upper Pakistan: Relief Expected from May 10
Cities in Punjab, KPK and upper regions are forecast at 39–43°C — serious but lower-risk than the south. Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Gujranwala and dozens of other cities fall within this band from May 8 to 10.
A shallow westerly system is expected to reach upper Pakistan on the evening of May 10, persisting until May 13 — bringing relief to the north. Southern and central Pakistan will continue to experience the heatwave’s full intensity throughout the May 7–11 window.
PMD Public Advisory: Who Is Most at Risk
PMD has called on the public — especially children, women and senior citizens — to avoid direct sunlight, stay hydrated, and remain indoors during peak afternoon hours (11am–4pm).
The advisory extends to farmers, who are directed to manage crop activities and care for livestock during the heatwave. Livestock are vulnerable to heat stress — high temperatures can reduce productivity and cause deaths in animals, adding to the economic pressure on agricultural communities already facing rising costs.
| 🟢 Protective Measures
Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily even if not thirsty. Avoid tea, coffee and fizzy drinks during peak heat. If outdoors, use a hat or umbrella and wear light-coloured loose cotton. Heatstroke symptoms — confusion, hot dry skin, rapid breathing — require immediate emergency medical attention. |
DISCLAIMER
All information in this article is based on publicly available data and official statements. This content is intended for general informational purposes only.
