In France, which on Tuesday recorded its hottest day since records began nearly 80 years ago, authorities sought to restore electricity to thousands of homes hit by power cuts in the northwestern region of Brittany.

The recorded temperature peaked at 44.3 degrees Celsius in ​the southwestern town of Pissos.

Italy’s health ministry issued its highest heat alert for 16 cities, from Florence and Milan to Rome, Turin ​and Verona.

In Britain, on course for its hottest June day ever, the Met Office weather service issued only ⁠the second extreme-heat weather warning in history.

Hundreds of schools stayed shut or closed early, as high temperatures could place even healthy people at ​risk.

At least 48 people have died in France from drowning as they attempted to seek respite from the crippling heat, while two young children ​were killed by heat in a car, authorities said.

Two elderly people died of heatstroke in Spain, which has experienced extreme temperatures since the weekend, exceeding 40°C.

Temperatures there were starting to ease on Wednesday.

Heatwave lock-in

A rare weather pattern known as an Omega block was causing the record-breaking temperatures across Europe, as high as 18 degrees Celsius above normal, according to the Reuters Climate Monitor.

The phenomenon resembles the shape of the Greek letter Omega, with a bulbous middle trapping ​in intensifying heat hovering over regions for extended periods, with cooler weather on its fringes.

Weather agency Meteo-France has said the conditions are comparable to a heatwave ‌in August ⁠2003 that lasted 16 days and caused an estimated 80,000 excess deaths across Europe.

Europe is warming at more than twice the global average, the World Meteorological Organisation has said, which makes prolonged heat episodes increasingly likely.

Models, builders feel the heat

In Paris, where the annual Fashion Week was underway, onlookers could be seen gasping and sweating during the Louis Vuitton show as male models showed off creations by pop singer Pharrell Williams.

Labels including Dior ​and Rick Owens changed their schedules ​to hold shows in the ⁠morning, organisers said.

The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum shut early on Tuesday.

In Switzerland, local authorities opened air-conditioned theatres for free daytime cinema screenings.

Construction contractors across the continent altered working hours so employees could avoid the worst, while ​retailers struggled to meet demand for fans and portable air-conditioners.

A French agriculture cooperative said farmers were introducing ​night shifts for harvesting ⁠to protect workers from afternoon heat and fields from fire risk.

In Britain, the grid operator asked generators to make more power available amid soaring temperatures poised to break records later on Wednesday.

Britain’s train operators have advised only essential journeys on Wednesday and Thursday, as the heat has brought speed restrictions.

In Italy, conditions ⁠were expected ​to worsen further, especially across central and northern regions, with the heatwave likely to ​peak between Sunday and Monday, meteorologists said.

Temperatures could reach 41°C between Tuscany and Emilia, while in coastal areas such as Liguria, the combination of heat and extreme humidity could ​drive perceived temperatures as high as 45°C.

Britain, Italy, Switzerland and Spain were also sweltering in extreme heat, with record temperatures in some regions disrupting schools and transport ‌networks.

Europe is warming at more than twice the global average, according to the World Meteorological Organisation, making such prolonged heat episodes increasingly likely.

HEAT ALERT ACROSS FRANCE

Much of France is under severe heat alert and set to experience temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, Meteo France said, with temperatures of up to 43 C expected in some parts of western France.

The country has just recorded its hottest afternoon and night since records began in 1947. Fifty-four departments are under red alert in ​what forecasters said was unprecedented.

Across France, people have been jumping into canals and rivers to cool off. French sports minister Marina Ferrari said she understood the urge to escape the heat, ​but warned against swimming in unauthorised or dangerous areas.

Speaking ahead of an emergency meeting on the heatwave, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said: “A sad scourge when ⁠it comes to drownings, as the latest figures just reported to us show 40 deaths since June 18, most of them young people.”

On Monday, first responders were unable to resuscitate two children, aged 2 and ​4, who were found unconscious by their mother in the family car outside their home, said a prosecutor in Carpentras, southeast France.

BUSINESS ACTIVITY SLOWS

In Paris, commuters struggled through sweltering conditions after sleepless nights in apartments ill-equipped ​for heat. Some trains were cancelled, including those between Paris and Brussels.

Business leaders said the economy was also taking a hit.

“France is running at a slow pace. Businesses, as far as possible, are implementing recommendations to protect their employees,” the head of France’s MEDEF employers group, Patrick Martin, told BFM TV.

HEAT DOME

Europe’s heatwave is driven by a weather pattern known as an Omega block, because it takes the shape of the Greek letter, with a bulge of hot air in the middle ​and cooler air either side, allowing temperatures to build day after day.

Heatwaves and storms are being intensified by climate change, pushing temperatures higher and causing more rainfall.

Meteo France said current conditions were comparable to the ​August 2003 heatwave, which lasted 16 days and led to an estimated 80,000 excess deaths across Europe, according to the EU. It was uncertain how long the current episode would last.

STORMS PART OF VOLATILE WEATHER PATTERN

In Italy, the health ‌ministry issued ⁠its highest level alert for 15 cities and authorities took measures to curtail work in some sectors. Storms are expected later on Tuesday over the Alps and Apennines, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and hail.

Britain is also in the grip of the heat, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures of up to 37 C in southern England on Tuesday — potentially a new June record — before rising further on Wednesday and Thursday.

Dozens of schools plan early closures, citing buildings ill-suited to the heat.

Transport networks across Europe came under strain. Britain’s Network Rail warned passengers to travel only if necessary later this week as temperatures approach 39 C, with speed ​restrictions likely to disrupt services.

In London, overnight thunderstorms — part ​of the same volatile weather pattern — caused further ⁠disruption, including at Heathrow Airport.

CLIMATE SHELTERS

Spain’s meteorological agency has issued red alerts across parts of the country, warning of dangerous heat with temperatures expected to reach 44 C. Nighttime has brought little relief, with around 30 monitoring stations still recording temperatures above 25 C early on Tuesday.

Madrid has opened climate shelters for vulnerable ​people, including the homeless. The shelters would “provide a climate-controlled environment, offer basic food, allow visitors to take a shower, and give them a chance to ​rest for a while,” said ⁠Juan Carlos Arellano of Madrid’s Samur Social.

Dozens of municipalities across northern Spain cancelled traditional bonfires due to wildfire risks, underlining how extreme temperatures are disrupting both cultural traditions and everyday activities.

In Belgium, soaring temperatures forced a primary school in Tervuren, near Brussels, to relocate its final exams to a nearby church.

In Switzerland, the northeastern canton of St Gallen restricted water withdrawal from rivers and lakes, saying that surface and ground-water levels were low and ⁠temperatures high.

IT’S COOLER ​UP NORTH

As southern Europe bakes, cooler northern destinations are drawing tourists seeking a “coolcation”.

“We were thinking about travelling to Croatia, but we ​came to Sweden because it’s cooler here,” said German tourist Katharina Rexing in Stockholm’s Old Town, on a day when it was 22 C in the Swedish capital and 30 C in Croatia’s Zagreb.

Thousands of schools ‌in France closed or modified timetables on Monday, and forecasters in Britain predicted temperatures could smash records for June this week.

“We’re heading for, at the very least, several days of very, very hot weather. We don’t know when temperatures will start falling,” French Health Minister Stephanie Rist said on TV channel TF1.

“Swim only in places that are supervised,” French Civil Safety service spokesperson Jerome Boulanger said after reporting the drownings from Sunday into ​Monday. Such deaths spiked 58% in France last year as swimmers tried to cool off.

Three elderly people, aged between 80 and 95, died over the weekend in the ​Bordeaux region as a result of health issues caused by the current heatwave in France, local government official Sophie Brocas told France TV ⁠late on Sunday.

Weather agency Meteo France said 49 regional administrative areas would be under a red heatwave warning.

An April report by the World Meteorological Organisation found Europe is warming at ​more than double the global rate.

According to the Reuters Climate Monitor, Europe on Monday was the continent furthest from its historic norm, with temperatures forecast to reach an average of 24 degrees Celsius (75 ​degrees Fahrenheit), 4.1 C above what was typical from 1961-1990.

The heatwave affecting large parts of Europe is known as an Omega block because it takes the shape of the Greek letter, with a bulge of hot air in the middle and cooler air on either side, said Clair Barnes, a research associate in extreme weather and climate at Imperial College in London.

“It’s drawing warm air up from North Africa, from the Sahara, ​and that’s why we have this really intense heat. It’s very slow-moving, and it means there’s kind of no wind, no breeze for respite,” she said.

Heatwaves and storms are ​being intensified by climate change, pushing temperatures higher and causing more rainfall, she said.

UK HEAT WILL BREAK JUNE RECORD SET IN 1976

The Met Office, Britain’s national weather forecaster, said on Monday that a four-day ‌heatwave there could ⁠push temperatures above 39 C in some places, easily breaking the June record of 35.6 C set in 1957 and 1976.

“Thirty six degrees is going to be disgusting,” said data scientist Lewis Jennings, out walking in central London.

In Spain, state weather agency Aemet issued a red alert for the Basque region, in the normally cooler north of the country, with the mercury in San Sebastian set to rise to a high of 40 C, more than double the city’s historic average for June 22, according to the Reuters Climate Monitor.

“We are seeing temperatures ​between 5 and 10 degrees above normal for ​this time of year, and in some ⁠northern areas even more than 10 degrees above average,” Rubén del Campo, spokesperson for Aemet, said.

RED HEATWAVE ALERTS ACROSS ITALY

Italy on Monday issued heatwave red alerts for 12 cities, including Milan, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Florence and Rome.

The Red Cross in Milan said it was inviting elderly ​people and those with health conditions to visit their cooling centre, where solar panels power air conditioning.

Local utility Iren was doubling workers’ ​shifts and adding generators ⁠to address sporadic power cuts in Turin as the electricity grid came under strain, a spokesperson said.

Birds such as swifts, swallows, sparrows and starlings, which make their nests in the eaves of roofs, have been particularly affected by abnormally high temperatures, said Romaine de Jaegere, a biologist and founder of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Animals Living in the Wild refuge in Temploux in Belgium.

“Temperatures ⁠on the ​roofs can sometimes reach 50, even 60 degrees Celsius. So they prefer to jump rather than let themselves die ​and literally cook in their nests,” De Jaegere said, adding that the shelter had received 150 animals in the last three days.

The heat surge ‌on June 21, the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere and typically the start of the three hottest months of the year, raised concerns of an early and persistent onset of extreme conditions.

After several days of temperatures above 35°C, Italian authorities issued a red alert for June 21 in eight cities, including ​Bologna, Florence, Milan, and Turin.

In Rome, pilgrims in St Peter’s Square used parasols and umbrellas to shield themselves from the ​blazing sun as the Pope led a traditional Sunday prayer from a window of the Apostolic Palace.

The ⁠spike in temperatures is being driven by a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara, fuelled by a strong high‑pressure ​system known as the “African anticyclone.”

Meteorologists say the system is creating a so‑called “heat dome,” trapping hot air over western and central Europe and ​allowing temperatures to build day after day.

Madrid residents and tourists used fans and drank plenty of cold drinks as they browsed the city’s famous El Rastro flea market.

“I’m dressed all in white because it’s so hot, and I’m carrying my little electric fan everywhere I go,” said Haily San Cesario, a 22-year-old ​engineer from Miami.

Spain’s AEMET weather agency issued red and orange alerts across several regions, warning of temperatures exceeding 39 to 40°C ​across large parts of the Iberian Peninsula and Mallorca, and said the heatwave would last at least until midweek.

Trains cancelled in France

The extreme heat has ‌begun to ⁠disrupt infrastructure.

Speaking from Paris’ Gare Montparnasse station, SNCF chief Jean Castex said the rail network was “strongly impacted” by high temperatures that risk damaging overhead power lines and expanding tracks.

He said 3,500 staff had been mobilised to monitor the network and 2,000 more would conduct emergency repairs.

He urged vulnerable passengers to delay travel. The operator has cancelled 71 intercity trains until Monday on key routes.

In Germany, where temperatures ​have already reached as high as ​38°C, the DWD weather service ⁠warned of severe thunderstorms in eastern regions, including Berlin, where heavy rain disrupted the open‑air Fete de la Musique festival.

Organisers had to evacuate the grounds of the Berlin Open as heavy rain and strong ​winds set in, and as fans awaited the tennis tournament’s singles final between Jessica Pegula of ​the US and ⁠Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic.

Heat stress on nestlings

Wildlife rescuers are also reporting mounting pressure.

A centre near the Belgian city of Namur said it had taken in around 150 heat‑stressed animals in recent days, with young birds particularly at risk.

“Nestlings prefer to jump rather than let themselves die ⁠and literally ​cook in their nests,” said CREAVES founder Romain De Jaegere, adding that centres ​across Belgium were overwhelmed.

Experts say the situation reflects a broader trend, with heatwaves in Europe becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

The heat surge ‌on June 21, the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere and typically the start of the three hottest months of the year, raised concerns of an early and persistent onset of extreme conditions.

After several days of temperatures above 35 °C, Italian authorities issued a red alert for June 21 in eight cities, including ​Bologna, Florence, Milan, and Turin.

In Rome, pilgrims in St Peter’s Square used parasols and umbrellas to shield themselves from the ​blazing sun as the Pope led a traditional Sunday prayer from a window of the Apostolic Palace.

The ⁠spike in temperatures is being driven by a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara, fuelled by a strong high‑pressure ​system known as the “African anticyclone.”

Meteorologists say the system is creating a so‑called “heat dome,” trapping hot air over western and central Europe and ​allowing temperatures to build day after day.

Madrid residents and tourists used fans and drank plenty of cold drinks as they browsed the city’s famous El Rastro flea market.

“I’m dressed all in white because it’s so hot, and I’m carrying my little electric fan everywhere I go,” said Haily San Cesario, a 22-year-old ​engineer from Miami.

Spain’s AEMET weather agency issued red and orange alerts across several regions, warning of temperatures exceeding 39 to 40 C ​across large parts of the Iberian Peninsula and Mallorca, and said the heatwave would last at least until midweek.

Trains cancelled in France

The extreme heat has ‌begun to ⁠disrupt infrastructure.

Speaking from Paris’ Gare Montparnasse station, SNCF chief Jean Castex said the rail network was “strongly impacted” by high temperatures that risk damaging overhead power lines and expanding tracks.

He said 3,500 staff had been mobilised to monitor the network and 2,000 more would conduct emergency repairs. He urged vulnerable passengers to delay travel. The operator has cancelled 71 intercity trains until Monday on key routes.

In Germany, where temperatures ​have already reached as high as ​38 °C, the DWD weather service ⁠warned of severe thunderstorms in eastern regions, including Berlin, where heavy rain disrupted the open‑air Fete de la Musique festival.

Organisers had to evacuate the grounds of the Berlin Open as heavy rain and strong ​winds set in, and as fans awaited the tennis tournament’s singles final between Jessica Pegula of ​the US and ⁠Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic.

Heat stress on nestlings

Wildlife rescuers are also reporting mounting pressure.

A centre near the Belgian city of Namur said it had taken in around 150 heat‑stressed animals in recent days, with young birds particularly at risk.

“Nestlings prefer to jump rather than let themselves die ⁠and literally ​cook in their nests,” said CREAVES founder Romain De Jaegere, adding that centres ​across Belgium were overwhelmed.

Experts say the situation reflects a broader trend, with heatwaves in Europe becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

France was expecting 35 of its 96 departments or regions to declare red heatwave alerts on Sunday, with temperatures of 39 ​to 40 degrees Celsius expected from the southwest through the Paris region into Burgundy, ​with some areas possibly reaching 41°C.

After a crisis meeting, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu ⁠pre-emptively banned alcohol consumption on Sunday at the annual Fete de la Musique festivals and other ​public events to be held in those 35 regions on Sunday.

Authorities in Paris ordered parks to ​remain open around the clock, however.

Heat alerts were declared in most of Germany, with temperatures approaching 38°C.

The DWD weather service warned that a combination of heat and humidity could trigger severe thunderstorms.

Cooling beneath a Roman temple

Beyond the Alps, temperatures expected to reach ​36–37°C were transforming daily life and tourism in some Italian towns.

Visitors queued under a blazing sun outside ​the Colosseum as Rome’s summer heat turned sightseeing into a test of endurance.

Some sought relief in the cooler ‌underground ⁠spaces beneath the half-hidden remains of the Temple of Claudius.

In the northern city of Bologna, one of the hottest in the peninsula, people splashed water on their faces at the 16th-century Fountain of Neptune and sheltered in the shade of the porticoes.

But in Spain, the football federation decided to close the ​fan zone it has set ​up with giant ⁠screens in Madrid’s Plaza de Colón square, meaning fans will have to watch Spain’s World Cup match against Saudi Arabia elsewhere.

Ironically, the teams themselves will ​enjoy the benefit of an air-conditioned stadium in Atlanta, powered partly with ​solar panels.

Scientists ⁠say climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and intense across Europe, raising the risk of health emergencies and economic disruption during the summer months.

The economic toll of extreme heat is also drawing attention.

Bank of France ⁠Governor ​Emmanuel Moulin said short-term effects on growth were “somewhat ambiguous”, citing both ​reduced productivity and increased energy use, but warned that over the medium term, heatwaves weigh on economic activity.

The minimum temperature in the city was recorded between 29°C and 31°C, while humidity stood at 69%.

Southwesterly winds were blowing at a speed of 19 kilometres per hour.

The Met Office said the maximum temperature is expected to range between 34°C and 36°C today and has also predicted drizzle in parts of the city tonight.

National Park Service workers were seen emptying jugs labelled “12% hydrogen peroxide” into the visibly green water ​of the nearly century-old basin that stretches between the Lincoln ​Memorial and the Washington Monument on the National Mall.

A spokesperson ⁠for the Interior Department said the pool is being treated with “high-tech nanobubble ​ozone technology” that kills algae, pathogens including E. coli, and other contaminants.

​The department said hydrogen peroxide is also being used, saying it’s “a milder treatment than chlorine” that is used in spas and natural swimming pools.

Christopher Gobler, a professor ​at Stony Brook University in New York who has studied harmful algal ​blooms for more than 30 years, said hydrogen peroxide is a common short-term treatment ‌for ⁠algae that is not likely to have major health effects on the ducks and geese that frequent the pool.

“It’s most harmful to animals that are 100% in the water,” Gobler said, adding the chemical can create ​low oxygen conditions ​that can be ⁠lethal to fish.

It might not be a long-term fix, though, he warned.

“There’s always going to be a rebound ​of the algae,” Gobler added. “Hopefully it works as a ​quick ⁠fix, but these algae do tend to rebound.”

The reflecting pool was refilled with water starting on June 5 as part of a renovation project directed ⁠by ​Trump that involved draining, cleaning and resurfacing ​it.

The bottom of the pool was repainted in a colour Trump calls “American flag blue.”

According to the Met Office, Karachi and its surrounding areas are likely to experience dust-laden winds, thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall as a new weather system influences large parts of the country.

Weather conditions are expected to remain unstable through June 20.

In response to the forecast, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has directed airport management and operational staff to implement emergency preparedness measures to ensure the safety of flight operations during adverse weather conditions.

The authority instructed airport officials to keep operational readiness at the highest level, closely monitor weather developments and ensure all precautionary measures are in place for uninterrupted and safe air traffic management.

Among the key directives, parked aircraft have been ordered to be moved to secure locations where necessary, while loose equipment and materials on the airfield are to be properly secured to prevent damage from strong winds.

The PAA also ordered a comprehensive inspection of electrical installations and cables, directing technical teams to ensure all critical systems remain functional. Authorities were further instructed to maintain the operational readiness of follow-me vehicles and verify the serviceability of airfield lighting systems and pits.

The PMD said a westerly weather system is affecting upper parts of the country and is expected to remain active until June 20. Moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also penetrating central and upper regions, enhancing rainfall activity across Pakistan.

While the heaviest impact of the weather system is expected in northern and central regions, Karachi could experience dust storms and isolated showers as the system strengthens.

The Met Office warned that strong winds and hailstorms in various parts of the country could damage weak structures, electricity poles and solar panels. Across Sindh, upper districts are expected to receive rain and thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds during the forecast period.

Rain, thunderstorms and strong winds have also been forecast for Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms possible in some areas.

Authorities have advised the public to exercise caution during adverse weather conditions, while all relevant departments have been directed to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent any untoward incidents.

Officials said the maximum temperature is not expected to exceed 35 degrees Celsius.

The weather outlook suggests continued cloud cover across the city, with the possibility of intermittent drizzle during the day.

According to a PDMA spokesperson, most districts of Punjab are likely to receive rain, with the wet spell expected to continue until June 20.

The PDMA director-general said, on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province have been directed to take necessary actions and remain on high alert.

The PDMA, along with the Pakistan Meteorological Department, forecast rain in northern districts, including Rawalpindi, Murree and the Galiyat region, while showers are also expected in various divisions of central and southern Punjab.

Authorities have advised citizens to remain in safe places during thunderstorms as lightning is likely to strike many places, and avoid open areas during strong winds and dust storms.

DG Umar Javed urged farmers to take precautionary measures in line with changing weather patterns, while advising tourists to exercise extra care when travelling to northern areas.

The impact of the rainfall received on Thursday and Friday has largely faded, leading to a noticeable increase in both temperature and the heat index across the city.

According to the Meteorological Department, a mix of sunshine and clouds is expected to persist across Punjab over the next few days.

Deputy Director of the Meteorological Department, Saqib Hussain, said light to heavy rainfall is continuing in some districts of Punjab, while Lahore may also receive light rain in the coming days.

The maximum temperature in Lahore is expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius on Monday, while the heat index, or “feels-like” temperature, is likely to touch 41 degrees Celsius.

Humidity in the city has been recorded at 48%, contributing to the uncomfortable weather conditions.

According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 37°C during the day, while humidity is recorded at 40%.

The department has forecast continued hot and dry weather across Punjab over the next 24 hours.

However, rain accompanied by strong winds is expected in Murree, the Galiyat region, and surrounding areas during the same period.

The weather forecast for other parts of the country shows mixed conditions.

Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir are expected to receive rain.

Islamabad, however, is likely to remain hot and mostly dry.

Elsewhere, the hot conditions will prevail. Sindh and most parts of Punjab are expected to stay hot and dry, with dusty winds likely to affect visibility in some areas.

Southern areas of Balochistan will continue to experience hot and dry weather, with a change in the weather pattern unlikely.

Officials said the maximum temperature in the city may reach 38°C today, while humidity levels remain around 52 percent, significantly increasing discomfort for residents.

The department added that westerly winds are currently blowing at around 17 kilometres per hour, offering limited relief.

However, no rainfall is expected in the city at present.

Meteorologists indicated that heat conditions are likely to ease gradually starting tomorrow, though humid weather may continue to affect overall comfort levels.

Due to the severe weather, town administrations have established camps at different locations to assist citizens.

At Guru Mandir, officials distributed ORS packets and cold water to people affected by the heat.

Residents were seen using cold drinks and water to cope with the rising temperatures.

Authorities have urged citizens to take precautions during the ongoing heatwave and avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun.

According to the department, weather conditions are expected to change across Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan, with chances of rain and strong winds in many areas.

Officials said there is also a possibility of intense cloud activity in Lahore this evening. Wind speed in the city has been recorded at 16 kilometres per hour, while humidity levels have reached 46 percent.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stormy rains and hailstorms are likely in several areas. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said thunderstorms are expected in the upper districts of Malakand and Hazara divisions.

Rain and hail are also forecast for Chitral, Dir, Swat and Abbottabad, while wind and rain are likely in Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.

In Karak and nearby areas, rain with strong winds has already helped reduce temperatures, bringing some relief to residents.

Speaking to a local media outlet, Afzal said the system is likely to provide relief from the ongoing heatwave between June 11 and June 13. He said temperatures are expected to decline in several areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Gujranwala, Lahore, parts of Balochistan and Islamabad, where isolated rainfall may also occur.

For Karachi, Afzal said humid conditions are likely to persist, although sea breezes and winds are expected to provide some respite from the prevailing hot weather.

He said June is typically one of the hottest months of the year, and humidity levels generally rise during this period, making conditions more uncomfortable.

However, he noted that climate change is increasingly contributing to unusual and unpredictable weather patterns, resulting in sudden fluctuations in temperatures and rainfall.

Afzal said climate change has shifted average weather patterns toward more extreme conditions. Increased greenhouse gas emissions are warming the planet and disrupting atmospheric and ocean systems, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, heavy rainfall, floods, droughts and storms.

Responding to a query, he advised citizens to take preventive measures against heat-related illnesses, including staying hydrated, avoiding unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours, which he said are hotter today than on previous days.

According to the Meteorological Department, there is currently no chance of rainfall in Karachi this month, and the dry spell and humid conditions are expected to continue.

Weather officials said the presence of sea breezes could make conditions feel significantly hotter, with the perceived temperature expected to be 8°C to 10°C higher than the actual reading.

On Tuesday, the city’s maximum temperature was recorded at 36.5°C. However, humidity levels reached 62%, pushing the heat index to around 48°C and intensifying discomfort for residents.

The PMD said northwesterly winds continued to blow across the city at speeds ranging between 22 and 25 kilometres per hour.

Health experts have urged citizens, particularly children, women, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions, to take extra precautions during the hot spell.

Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. and to maintain adequate hydration and electrolyte intake to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The scorching weather has made outdoor movement difficult, with residents reporting severe discomfort under the intense sun as the heatwave conditions persist across the region.

Meteorological Department officials said the intensity of the heat is expected to continue, though meteorologist Adeel Abbas indicated that strong winds and light rain may develop in northern Punjab after two days, potentially bringing partial relief.

Humidity levels in Lahore were recorded at 38 percent, adding to the discomfort as the city continues to experience prolonged high temperatures.

In some areas, mercury could soar as high as 48°C to 51°C, the PMD added.

According to the PMD, Karachi is likely to experience intense heat from June 8 to June 12, with the nighttime temperatures also expected to rise.

The PMD said several districts in Sindh and Balochistan may also experience temperatures as high as 48°C to 51°C, while parts of Punjab are expected to see readings between 44°C and 48°C.

The plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could witness extreme heat, with temperatures climbing to 45°C-46°C.

Health experts warned people to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the extreme heat.

Experts urged people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity, especially from 10am to 4pm.

Health experts also called for special measures to protect the elderly and children during the heatwave.

According to the Met Office, a heatwave is expected to affect Karachi from June 8 to June 12, with daytime temperatures likely to range between 40°C and 43°C.

Weather experts warned that temperatures during the night are also expected to remain unusually high, increasing humidity levels and intensifying the overall impact of the heatwave.

The Met Office and health experts have urged citizens to take precautionary measures to avoid heat-related illnesses. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, increase water intake, and keep their heads covered while exposed to direct sunlight.

Authorities have also called on vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly and outdoor workers, to exercise extra caution during the forecast period.

According to the department, the minimum temperature recorded in the city was 29.8°C, while the current temperature stands at 31°C.

Humidity has been recorded at 75%, which may make the heat feel more intense.

Winds are blowing at a speed of 20 kilometres per hour, but weather conditions are expected to remain hot and humid throughout the day.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has predicted dry and hot weather across most parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with chances of strong winds and thundershowers in some upper and plain districts.

In Peshawar, the current temperature was recorded at 28°C and is expected to rise to 36°C during the day. Humidity in the city was measured at 51%.

Among other areas of the province, temperatures were recorded at 11°C in Chitral, 14°C in Dir, 18°C in Malam Jabba, and 22°C in Saidu Sharif.

Bannu recorded 27°C, Dera Ismail Khan 29°C, and Abbottabad 22°C.

The Meteorological Department has advised citizens to take precautionary measures during the heat and avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight.

From ​India’s grain-producing northwestern plains to Australia’s eastern wheat belt, and from Thailand’s rice fields to Indonesia’s vast palm oil plantations, hot weather and below-normal rains are hurting crops ‌and forcing farmers to reduce planting, farmers, analysts and traders said.

El Niño-driven dryness is a double blow for farmers already grappling with fertiliser and diesel shortages caused by the Iran war.

Wheat prices have risen about 20% since the start of 2026, largely on concerns over drought in key US growing regions.

Rice prices at major Southeast Asian export hubs have climbed around 15% over the past month on rising production costs and fears of tighter supplies.

One of the strongest El Niños on ​record is widely expected to develop in the second half of 2026, bringing hot-dry weather to Asia and excessive rains to the Americas, with global climate change making things worse.

“The El ​Niño impact globally starts with Southeast Asia, India, Australia, before it has wider implications downstream in North America and South America,” said Chris Hyde, a U.S.-based ⁠meteorologist at satellite data and imagery firm SkyFi.

Hyde said early signs of drought are already visible on the company’s high-resolution imagery platform, across parts of Asia.

Hot-dry weather hits farms

In India, the meteorological department last ​week further reduced its forecast for the four-month monsoon season, which delivers about 70% of annual rains.

“With temperatures across most parts of the country remaining well above normal, conditions are currently unfavourable for the timely ​sowing of summer crops,” said one New Delhi-based dealer with a global trade house.

“Planting is likely to be delayed due to the late onset of the monsoon, but greater concern lies in the possibility of below-normal rainfall and prolonged dry spells after its arrival.”

India mainly grows rice, soybeans, pulses, sugarcane and corn in the summer season.

For Southeast Asian countries, dryness is hitting rice and palm oil yields in some areas.

“Everybody is worried (about drought), it’s risky,” said Nerawat Oramah, a ​47-year-old farmer in central Thailand’s Chainat province.

“For my second harvest, I have to wait and see the situation. It’s a risk for everyone (if there is not enough water), there will only be one ​harvest.”

Thailand and the Philippines plant their main rice crops in June-July, while Vietnam and Indonesia are now sowing their second-season crops.

Indonesia’s most populous Java island and some areas in northern Sumatra, south Kalimantan and Sulawesi have not experienced ‌any rain ⁠for more than 10 days, according to the country’s meteorological agency, with medium to low rainfall expected in June.

Higher prices

Rice prices are edging up even though India, which accounts for 40% of global exports, is sitting on ample supplies after years of near-record harvests.

“There is clear indication of crisis as rice prices have moved substantially higher without any major shortage,” said one Singapore-based trader at an international trading company, adding Thai rice prices have climbed around 15% in the past month.

“India has a huge rice stockpile, several times more than what it needs. But the thinking is that very soon India will start looking at ​these stocks as a critical asset and may introduce ​some sort of export curbs if we ⁠see problems with early part of the monsoon.”

However, KKP Research, a unit of Kiatnakin Phatra Bank in Thailand, said some of the impact of the dryness could be cushioned by strong reservoir levels.

“What we are more concerned about is fertiliser supply,” the bank said in a note to Reuters.

“We estimate that a ​fertiliser shortage, if it occurs, could reduce rice production by up to 15-20% in the worst case.”

Recent rains over parched Australian farmland have triggered late wheat ​sowing, but growers are wary ⁠of the El Niño in the coming months that could hit yields.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting that many cropping areas across New South Wales and Queensland will see between 20 and 40 millimetres less rain than usual over the next three months.

John Lowe, a farmer near Burcher in central New South Wales, said his total cropping area is still around 30% smaller than it could have been.

El Niño is likely to be ⁠neutral for China ​and the Black Sea region, while bringing more rains to the Americas.

“Statistically speaking, there is not much correlation with weather ​in the U.S. and El Niño, during the summer,” said Drew Lerner, an agricultural meteorologist and president of World Weather Inc.

“In a lot of years, we can come up with a little bit more moisture in an El Niño summer. But that does ​not really mean above-normal rainfall.”

The incidents were reported from Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera and Bannu.

According to PDMA, the deceased included two men, while the injured comprised seven women, 16 men and eight children.

Authorities said the injuries occurred as strong winds and heavy rain triggered structural collapses in several areas, while lightning strikes also caused casualties.

The PDMA said it, along with district administrations and other relevant agencies, is on alert and maintaining close coordination for relief efforts.

Local administrations have been instructed to provide immediate assistance to affected families.

The authority also warned that the current spell of rain and strong winds is expected to continue intermittently until June 5.

According to the Meteorological Department, the heat is likely to intensify further from tomorrow, with the impact of a heatwave expected to be more pronounced between June 10 and June 12.

During this period, temperatures could rise as high as 43 degrees Celsius.

The department said southwest winds are currently blowing over the city, while weather conditions remain extremely hot and humid.

Officials noted that the combination of rising temperatures and humidity will continue to increase heat stress across the city in the coming days.

El Niño is a periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which typically lasts between nine and ​12 months, according to the World Meteorological Organisation.

The WMO said warm ocean waters were ​fueling El Niño’s development and predicted above-average temperatures in most parts of ⁠the world from June to August.

The WMO said it is likely El Niño will ​continue until November.

“We need to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño event — which will exacerbate ​drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean,“ said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

The most recent El Niño, in 2023-24, contributed to 2024 being the hottest year on record, ​Saulo added.

A shift has been observed in the Equatorial Pacific, with sea surface temperatures rising ​rapidly from late April to mid-May, suggesting El Niño conditions were developing, the WMO said.

The agency said ‌it has ⁠observed unusually warm subsurface conditions across the tropical Pacific with temperatures exceeding 6 degrees Celsius above average, creating a reservoir of heat that is driving surface warming.

The weather pattern is known to disrupt regional climates, potentially bringing increased rainfall to southern South America, the southern United States, ​parts of the Horn ​of Africa and central ⁠Asia, while causing drought in Australia, central America, Indonesia, and sections of southern Asia.

It can also have a warming effect on the global ​climate and fuel hurricanes in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, ​the WMO said.

“The ⁠world must treat it as the urgent climate warning it is. El Niño conditions will pour fuel on the fire of a warming world,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, urging a shift away ⁠from ​fossil fuels towards renewable energy.

While there is no evidence that ​climate change increases the frequency or intensity of El Niño events, it can make associated impacts such as extreme heatwaves ​and heavy rainfall worse, according to the WMO.

The PDMA said the ongoing heatwave is likely to persist for the next few days, while thundershowers are expected in upper regions from the evening and night of June 4.

Officials warned that the combination of rapid glacier melt and rainfall could increase river flow and raise the risk of flash floods and glacial lake outburst events.

The alert covers sensitive mountainous districts including Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Dir and Mansehra, where risks of landslides, mudslides, rockfalls and disruption of communication routes have also been identified.

Lower Chitral, Lower Dir, Swat, Upper Kohistan and Mansehra have been placed on alert.

The PDMA said a sudden overflow of rivers and streams could trigger flooding in low-lying areas.

It has directed local administrations to closely monitor vulnerable locations and maintain readiness for any emergency situation.

The Meteorological Department has indicated the possibility of rain returning within the next 48 hours, according to local reports.

Residents said the rain and hail on Saturday had improved conditions temporarily, but the heat has now returned, with strong sunlight making mornings and afternoons noticeably warmer.

The Met Office has forecast rain across Punjab, including Lahore.

Deputy Director Saqib Hussain said the weather is expected to remain extremely hot over the next 24 hours, followed by a chance of rain and strong winds across the province within 48 hours.

According to the department, Lahore’s maximum temperature is likely to reach 37°C.

Winds are currently blowing at around 10 kilometres per hour, while humidity levels have been recorded at 51%.

From the year 2000 to the current year 2026, Makkah has consistently recorded the highest average temperatures globally, maintaining this unique meteorological record.

According to a joint historical report issued by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Global Weather Archives and the US-based National Centres for Environmental Information of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there were only two years during the last two decades when Makkah did not hold the top spot; otherwise, it has consistently registered as the hottest city worldwide.

The interesting and unique data from the report shows that Makkah remained the world’s hottest city for ten consecutive years from 2000 to 2009, before Kuwait City took the top position in 2010.

However, Makkah returned to the top spot for five consecutive years from 2011 to 2015.

While Kuwait City again recorded extreme heat in 2016, Makkah has consistently ranked first in the list of the world’s hottest cities for the past ten years, from 2017 through 2026.

Meteorologists attribute these extreme temperatures to Makkah’s geographical location, as it is surrounded by dry, barren mountain ranges and experiences hot winds blowing from the Red Sea.

 The report also appreciated the Saudi government’s administrative measures, noting that despite such extreme weather and intense heat, the smart cooling systems and environmental management put in place for pilgrims during the Hajj and Umrah seasons serve as an exemplary model globally.

Clouds poured down over Lahore, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Shakargarh, Narowal, and surrounding areas, with hail also reported in several parts of Lahore.

According to the Meteorological Department, Lahore recorded an average of 21mm of rainfall.

The heaviest rainfall was reported in Nishter Town with 44mm, followed by Johar Town with 37.5mm, Lakshmi Chowk 30mm, and around Mughalpura 29mm.

After the heavy spell, water accumulated in low-lying areas, and many areas reported power breakdown, with over 100 feeders tripping.

LESCO officials said that 40 per cent of the feeders have been restored so far.

A LESCO spokesperson said field staff have been placed on high alert, and restoration work will commence immediately after the rain stops.

Meanwhile, other cities, including Narowal, Kasur, and surrounding areas, saw rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning, which also caused power outages.

In Gujrat and nearby areas, heavy rain brought relief and cooler weather.

Rain with thunder and lightning was also reported from Bhimber, Azad Kashmir, and neighbouring areas.

Nakyal in Azad Kashmir experienced light rain accompanied by strong winds.

According to official sources, Water & Sanitation Authority (WASA) MD Gufran Ahmed is closely monitoring the water drainage operation, and teams have been deployed to remove rainwater accumulated in low-lying areas.