Pakistan Faces Intense Heatwave from June 18 to 20: PMD Issues Urgent Warning
Islamabad, June 2025 — The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a high-level warning for an intense heatwave expected to grip most of the country’s plain areas from June 18 to June 20. This alert is being taken seriously by health experts, local authorities, and the general public due to its potential health, environmental, and economic consequences.
The department has advised citizens to prepare for extreme heat conditions, especially those living in vulnerable areas where shelter, electricity, and clean drinking water might not be easily available. As the summer heat reaches dangerous levels, the PMD is urging immediate action to protect lives and reduce potential damage across communities.
Who Is at Risk? PMD Highlights Vulnerable Groups
According to the PMD, the upcoming heatwave could pose serious threats to public health, particularly for:
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Infants and young children who are more sensitive to temperature changes.
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Elderly individuals, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.
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Outdoor laborers such as construction workers, traffic wardens, and farmers.
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People without access to electricity or air conditioning, particularly in urban slums or rural areas.
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Homeless individuals, who have no shelter from the scorching sun.
These groups are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. The danger increases significantly if people are exposed to high temperatures for long periods without rest or hydration.
Health Risks During a Heatwave
Medical professionals have expressed growing concern over the health risks posed by this upcoming heatwave. High temperatures can cause the body to overheat, leading to several serious health conditions. Some of the most common include:
1. Heatstroke
This is the most dangerous form of heat-related illness. It occurs when the body is no longer able to regulate its temperature. Symptoms include:
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High body temperature (above 103°F or 39.4°C)
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Rapid heartbeat
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Confusion or disorientation
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Fainting or unconsciousness
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Dry skin with no sweating
If not treated quickly, heatstroke can cause permanent damage to internal organs or even result in death.
2. Dehydration
In hot weather, the body loses more water through sweat. Without regular hydration, people can become dehydrated. Symptoms include:
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Dry mouth and throat
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Dark-colored urine
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Dizziness
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Weakness
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Headaches
3. Heat Exhaustion
Often a warning sign before heatstroke, heat exhaustion includes symptoms like:
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Heavy sweating
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Muscle cramps
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Fatigue
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Nausea or vomiting
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Fainting
4. Worsening of Chronic Illnesses
People with conditions like asthma, heart disease, or high blood pressure may notice worsening symptoms due to the added stress of heat on their bodies.
Precautionary Steps Recommended by PMD
To minimize the impact of the upcoming heatwave, the PMD and health experts have suggested the following precautionary measures:
1. Avoid Outdoor Activities During Peak Hours
The hottest part of the day is between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. During this time, citizens should:
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Stay indoors as much as possible
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Reschedule outdoor work or travel for early morning or evening
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Reduce physical activity during these hours
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Everyone is advised to drink clean water frequently, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration can occur quickly, especially among children and older adults.
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Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks as they increase water loss
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ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) can help replace lost minerals
3. Wear Light and Loose Clothing
Wearing cotton clothes in light colors helps the body stay cool. People are also advised to:
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Cover their heads with caps, scarves, or wet cloths
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Use umbrellas when walking in the sun
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Avoid synthetic or dark-colored clothing
4. Use Shade and Cooling Methods
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Stay in cool or shaded areas
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Use fans, air coolers, or air conditioning where available
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Take cool showers or apply wet towels to the body
5. Stay Informed
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Follow weather alerts and community updates
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Be aware of power outages and make preparations for alternate cooling methods
Urban vs. Rural: A Different Level of Impact
While urban cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Multan may face power shortages due to the surge in electricity demand, rural areas have a different kind of challenge. Conditions
Urban Areas
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Air conditioners and fans increase electricity load
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Water shortages may become common
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Hospitals may see a rise in heat-related emergencies
Rural Areas
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Limited access to electricity or water storage
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Animals and crops are at risk due to lack of water and shade
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Farmers working in the fields are especially vulnerable
The government and NGOs have been urged to mobilize resources such as mobile health units, drinking water supplies, and temporary shelters to support high-risk communities. Conditions
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Economic Effects of the Heatwave
This heatwave isn’t just a public health concern — it can also cause significant economic disruption. Experts have identified several sectors that could be affected:
1. Agriculture
High temperatures speed up soil moisture loss, which can:
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Damage crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, and vegetables Conditions
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Reduce yield and food supply
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Increase the need for irrigation
Farmers are being advised to water crops early in the morning or at night and to use mulching techniques to reduce water evaporation. Conditions
2. Energy Sector
Electricity demand spikes when people use:
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Air conditioners
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Water coolers
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Refrigerators
This could lead to load shedding in several regions. Authorities have been asked to prepare backup systems to handle the increased load. Conditions
3. Livestock
In rural regions, the survival of livestock is at risk. Without enough water, food, or shade, animals can suffer from:
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Heat stress
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Dehydration
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Death in extreme cases
Farmers are advised to increase water availability, provide shade, and reduce the workload on animals.Conditions
Government and Public Response
Several local governments and health departments are taking steps to minimize the impact. Here’s how:
Health Department Initiatives
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Setting up emergency medical camps
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Ensuring hospitals are stocked with IV fluids and ORS
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Issuing public awareness messages via radio and social media
Water and Power Departments
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Monitoring electricity demand
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Planning load management strategies
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Ensuring hydrants and water bowsers are operational
Community Support
Citizens are encouraged to:
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Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those living alone
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Offer water or shade to laborers and passers-by
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Create “cooling centers” in mosques, schools, or community halls
What You Can Do at Home
Even if you’re not in a high-risk group, you can take simple actions to stay safe and help others:
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Store extra water at home
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Make DIY cooling devices (e.g., wet towel fans)
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Help set up heatwave awareness campaigns in your community
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Teach children the signs of heatstroke and dehydration
Climate Change and Future Risks
Experts are linking the increased intensity of heatwaves to climate change. Pakistan is already considered one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Rising global temperatures mean:
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Heatwaves may become more frequent and severe
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Glaciers in the north may melt faster
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Water shortages could worsen
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Health systems may be overwhelmed
The PMD and environmentalists have called for long-term planning, including:
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Urban tree plantation drives Conditions
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Rooftop gardens Conditions
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Better city ventilation planning Conditions
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Education on climate resilience Conditions
Final Words: Stay Safe, Stay Informed
As temperatures are expected to soar over the next few days, it’s essential for everyone to stay alert, follow official guidelines, and take heatwave warnings seriously. The PMD has stated clearly: “Prevention is better than cure — timely precautions can save lives.” Conditions
Whether you are in a major city or a remote village, protecting yourself and others from this dangerous heatwave is everyone’s responsibility. With careful planning, community support, and awareness, Pakistan can overcome this challenge together.
FAQs on Pakistan’s June 2025 Heatwave
Q: How hot will it get during this heatwave?
A: In some plain regions, temperatures could rise above 45°C (113°F). Urban areas may feel even hotter due to the “urban heat island” effect.
Q: What is the best time to go outside if necessary?
A: The early morning (before 10 AM) and late evening (after 5 PM) are generally safer. Always carry water and cover your head .Conditions
Q: What should I do if someone is showing signs of heatstroke?
A: Move them to a cool place immediately, remove excess clothing, apply cool water or ice packs, and call for medical help .Conditions
Q: Are schools and offices expected to close?
A: As of now, no nationwide closure is announced. However, some local governments may issue advisories based on heat levels .Conditions
Q: How can we help stray animals during a heatwave?
A: Place bowls of water outside your home or in shaded corners of your street. Avoid throwing cold water on overheated animals; instead, guide them to shade.
