Key Takeaways
- PMD expects temperatures in Punjab to stay above normal through May 2026, with heatwave risk rising from late April into June.
- Some areas may run 4–6°C above average, and June temperatures in parts of Punjab could reach 45–46°C.
- Lahore may see May temperatures around 42–45°C, with urban conditions making the heat feel stronger.
- PMD classifies 42°C or higher as heatwave conditions, especially if the heat persists for several days.
- Authorities advise hydration, avoiding peak heat hours, and better alerts, hospitals readiness, and water supply planning.
What PMD Is Forecasting For Punjab
Punjab may face a stretch of intense heat from late April through June, with temperatures expected to climb well above normal levels, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). PMD and other international organisations have also pointed to higher heatwave risk across multiple regions of the province, particularly in South Punjab, as temperatures rise sharply during the core summer months.
The seasonal outlook suggests the warming trend is not limited to a single hot day or a short spell. PMD expects temperatures to remain above normal through May 2026, which increases the likelihood of repeated heatwave episodes as the season progresses and the baseline temperature stays elevated.
For households and city administrations, this kind of outlook is an early warning. It indicates that people should prepare for sustained heat stress rather than treating it as a temporary inconvenience, especially where electricity loads, water demand, and hospital admissions can climb quickly in prolonged hot conditions.
How Hot It Could Get From Late April To June
According to the outlook shared, April temperatures are expected to be around 1 to 2 degrees Celsius above normal, then rise further in May by 2 to 3 degrees above normal. In some regions, PMD warned temperatures may run 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above average, with occasional higher spikes that can push conditions into a heatwave category.
By June, temperatures in parts of Punjab may reach 45 to 46 degrees Celsius. Officials also cautioned that June and July could see readings exceeding 44 degrees Celsius in certain areas, which is consistent with a pattern where the hottest spells arrive after several weeks of gradually rising daytime highs.
PMD noted that temperatures may reach around 38 degrees Celsius by the end of April, with the likelihood of heatwaves higher in May and June. This step-by-step rise matters because the body and public systems have less recovery time between hot spells when both day and night temperatures remain elevated.
Why Cities Like Lahore Can Feel Even Hotter
Major cities, including Lahore, are expected to experience more intense “felt heat” because of urban conditions. Concrete surfaces, traffic emissions, low tree cover in some areas, and limited airflow can trap warmth and increase the heat island effect, making daytime conditions feel harsher than the thermometer reading suggests.
PMD’s expectation for Lahore in May places temperatures in the range of 42 to 45 degrees Celsius, which is already in the zone that can trigger heat stress for many people. When humidity is present or when people spend long hours outdoors, the risk rises further, particularly for children, older adults, outdoor workers, and people with heart or respiratory issues.
Urban heat also affects energy demand. As temperatures climb, fans and air conditioners run longer, increasing pressure on the power system and raising the risk of outages during peak hours, which can worsen heat exposure when cooling becomes unavailable.
What Counts As A Heatwave And Why Duration Matters
According to the Meteorological Department’s classification referenced in the update, temperatures of 42 degrees Celsius or higher are considered heatwave conditions. The situation becomes more serious if these temperatures continue for several days, because sustained heat reduces the body’s ability to recover and increases the chance of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
The duration factor is critical in Punjab, where daily routines often involve commuting, outdoor work, and crowded markets during daytime hours. If the heatwave stretches across multiple days, even healthy individuals can become vulnerable, while those with limited access to water, shade, or cooling face higher risk.
Heatwaves also strain public infrastructure. Water supply networks, hospitals, emergency services, and electricity distribution systems can all come under pressure at the same time, which is why early warnings should trigger both personal precautions and institutional readiness.
Precautions And Preparedness Steps Being Recommended
Authorities have advised the public to take basic precautions, including avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, drinking water regularly, wearing light clothing, and covering the head. For families, it also helps to plan errands earlier in the day, check on older relatives, and keep oral rehydration solutions available for quick response to dehydration symptoms.
On the institutional side, the Environmental Protection Department has recommended actions such as increasing tree plantation, improving heatwave alert systems, ensuring hospitals are prepared for heat-related cases, and maintaining reliable water supply. These measures can reduce the immediate health burden and improve response capacity during the hottest weeks.
Experts warn that without timely action, heatwaves in Punjab could become more severe over time, affecting health outcomes, water resources, and energy demand. That makes preparation a shared responsibility—individual choices can reduce exposure, while government planning can reduce the scale of risk during extreme heat periods.
