RAWALPINDI: Scorching heat and humidity gripped the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday, driving most residents indoors as temperature soared to 45°C.

“No respite is likely from the hot and dry weather over the next two days,” said an official of the Met Office.

Temperatures have been on the higher side for the last a few days with residents finding it hard to step out of their houses, especially in the afternoons.

The official said that day temperatures were likely to remain 5 to 7°C above normal in upper half of the country (central & upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan) and 4 to 6°C above normal in southern half (upper and central Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan) on June 11 and 12.

“Severe heatwave will continue till Thursday. General public is advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during the daytime between (11am to 4pm) and stay hydrated.”

He said that the continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country. A high pressure in upper atmosphere is prevailing over the country and likely to persist during the next two days.

On Wednesday, he said, that mainly hot and dry weather was expected in most parts of the country and very hot in plain areas.

However, dust raising/gusty winds are likely in the plain areas during afternoon.

The Met Office recorded the highest maximum temperatures in Bhakkar, 50°C; DI Khan city 49°C, Noorpur Thal 49°C, Bannu, DI Khan airport, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Jacobabad, Karor (Layyah), Mandi Bahauddin, Sibbi 48°C, Bahawalnagar, Chakwal, Jhelum, Joharabad, Khanewal, Kot Addu, Sargodha city, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot airport 47°C.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2025