Weather update; Punjab braces for intense heatwave this week

LAHORE – A spell of dry and intense heat continued to grip Lahore and other parts of Punjab amid temperatures rising steadily across the province. The local authorities have issued warnings of a severe heatwave in the coming days. The provincial capital experienced extremely hot weather from the early morning hours, with the temperature reaching 36°C shortly after sunrise. The minimum temperature was recorded at 30°C while the maximum temperature is expected to climb to 43°C during the day. The residents are also experiencing warmer nights as the minimum temperature in Lahore has increased from 26°C in recent days to around 30°C, adding to the discomfort caused by the prolonged heat spell. The Meteorological Department predicted that temperatures are likely to rise further over the next one to two days, intensifying heatwave conditions across much of the province. Meanwhile, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a heatwave alert for the coming week. The authority warned that most districts of Punjab could experience severe heatwave conditions between June 8 and June 12. In Upper Punjab, temperatures are expected to remain between 41°C and 44°C, while southern and central plain districts may witness temperatures ranging from 44°C to 48°C. The PDMA said temperatures are likely to increase in Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Kasur and Faisalabad. Similar weather conditions are forecast for Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Jhang, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal and Sahiwal. Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed has directed commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness measures are in place in line with the directives of the Punjab government. PDMA Director General Umar Javed said nightt