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.

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.

The initiative recognises the dedication, tireless efforts, and public service spirit of sanitation workers who ensured exemplary cleanliness across the province during Eid days.

Officials said the move aims not only to reward the workers for their contributions but also to reinforce the province’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a clean and hygienic Punjab.

The authorities in Punjab claimed that a new record has been set for cleanliness and sanitation during this year’s Eid Al Azha.

According to official figures released by the provincial government, the Suthra Punjab staff collected and disposed of more than 376,000 tonnes of animal waste and offal during the three days of Eid, exceeding the 357,000 tonnes of animal waste cleared during the 2025 operation.

Officials said around 126,128 tonnes of waste and animal remains were collected on the first day of Eid.

The volume rose on the second day, while more than 102,000 tonnes were removed on the third day, taking the overall total to a record level.

Under the province-wide operation, sanitation workers carried out door-to-door collection of animal remains and waste, transporting them to designated collection points.

The waste was later moved to approved dumping sites for safe disposal.

Residents across Punjab expressed satisfaction with the cleanliness arrangements, particularly the prompt collection of animal waste during the Eid holidays.

Many citizens thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for the sanitation measures.

The government said the Eid cleanliness campaign was closely monitored by divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners, who remained present in the field throughout the operation to oversee arrangements and ensure the timely disposal of waste.

The annual report, which gives regional predictions for temperatures and rain, predicts that annual global mean near-surface temperatures will range between 1.3°C and 1.9°C above ​the 1850-1900 pre-industrial period.

“There’s very clear evidence that the climate is warming and that the global average temperature ​is continuing to rise,” Melissa Seabrook, a research scientist at the UK Met Office, told Reuters.

In the ⁠2015 Paris Agreement, governments promised to try to prevent the average global temperature rise from exceeding 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, ​above which severe climate events were seen growing in intensity.

2024 record for warmest year seen broken

The report said it is very ​likely that the global mean near-surface temperature will temporarily exceed 1.5 °C above the 1850-1900 average levels for at least one year between 2026 and 2030.

It also predicts there will be one year between 2026 and 2030 when average global temperatures will exceed the warmest year on record, ​2024, when they surpassed 1.5 °C above the pre-industrial era for the first time.

Temporarily crossing the 1.5 °C threshold does not mean ​the Paris Agreement has failed, as it refers to a long-term average over 20 years rather than a single year’s exceedance, Seabrook said, ‌while noting ⁠that as the world gets closer to that threshold, it is increasingly likely to pass it more often.

“The science is very clear that the window to keeping the global average temperature to 1.5 degrees is closing rapidly,” Seabrook added.

More severe weather events

Arctic winter temperatures in the northern hemisphere over the next five years are projected to rise at more than 3-1/2 times ​the global average, reaching around ​2.8°C above the 1991–2020 baseline, ⁠according to the report.

Arctic sea-ice is expected to melt in March over the next half decade in the Barents Sea, Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk.

Arctic warming could ​also disrupt weather systems and prompt more severe weather events, especially in northern parts of ​the world, Seabrook ⁠said.

Wetter weather in the northern hemisphere over the next five winters is also predicted, as well as wet periods in northern Europe, Alaska, Siberia and the Sahel during May-September, while contrastingly dry weather is forecast for this season in the Amazon.

A strong El Niño ⁠is also ​predicted for winter this year, which could persist into 2027, driving up ​global temperatures to potential record-breaking levels due to the heating of the Pacific Ocean, Seabrook said.

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.

The advisory outlines expected weather systems, the most vulnerable regions, intensifying threats, and how federal and provincial authorities are preparing emergency response measures to protect public safety.

According to the NDMA, temperatures are expected to rise significantly across most parts of the country, with several regions likely to experience extreme heat ranging between 40°C and 48°C.

Regions, including Southern Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, are expected to remain under intense heatwave conditions during the forecast period.

The NDMA said provincial disaster management authorities have already initiated anticipatory actions in line with federal directives to tackle any emergency arising from extreme temperatures.

Public awareness campaigns have been launched, while emergency response teams, cooling centres and medical preparedness measures are being strengthened nationwide.

The NEOC stated that moist western weather systems may trigger light rain in northern areas, including the Pothohar region.

However, rapidly rising temperatures in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and other mountainous areas are accelerating glacier melt, increasing the risk of landslides, flash floods and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).

Areas, including Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan, and parts of Azad Kashmir, have been identified as vulnerable to landslides.

The NDMA further warned that key routes, including the Karakoram Highway, Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road and Deosai Road, may face blockages due to falling debris and landslides.

The authority also identified Shimshal, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala and Passu as highly sensitive areas where road connectivity may be disrupted due to unstable mountain slopes.

Due to rapidly melting glaciers and the possible bursting of glacial lakes, flood-like situations may emerge in Darkot, Lasht, Reshun, Booni, Swat, Shisper, Golgin, Hanarchi, Roshan and Kumrat.

Mountain streams and rivers in Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Chitral, Dir, Swat and Kohistan may also witness unusually high water flows.

In Sindh, districts including Jacobabad, Qamber Shahdadkot, Dadu, Jamshoro, Khairpur, Sanghar, Umerkot, Sukkur, Ghotki and Mirpurkhas are expected to remain under severe heat stress.

Similarly, Chagai, Washuk, Kharan, Turbat, Dera Murad Jamali, Usta Muhammad, Sibi, Lehri, Naseerabad and Jaffarabad in Balochistan are likely to experience extreme temperatures.

Punjab regions, including Multan, Lodhran, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Muzaffargarh, Bhakkar, Layyah, Lahore, Sahiwal and Kasur are also expected to face intensified heatwave conditions.

The NDMA said all relevant institutions have been directed to ensure emergency preparedness and preventive measures.

An additional advisory has also been issued regarding modifications in uniforms and dress codes during the heatwave.

According to the advisory, uniforms and clothing should be light colored and loose-fitting to reduce heat absorption and improve ventilation in extreme weather conditions.

 The guidance has been shared with all relevant departments and institutions.

The NDMA has instructed provincial disaster management authorities to accelerate precautionary measures in vulnerable areas and urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel and remain cautious during adverse weather conditions.

Residents and tourists in mountainous regions have been advised to stay alert to the risks of landslides and road closures, monitor weather updates closely and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

According to a PDMA spokesperson, temperatures in most districts of Punjab are expected to remain 4 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal during the holiday period.

In cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Sialkot, temperatures may reach up to 42°C, while in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha and Jhang, the mercury could rise to around 50°C.

The PDMA warned that heat intensity may continue even during the night in parts of the province.

Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun between 10am and 5pm and to drink plenty of water and fluids.

The authority said children, elderly people, livestock traders and sanitation workers should take special precautions during the heatwave period.

Arrangements are being made to provide drinking water, shade, and medical and veterinary camps at livestock markets across the province.

The PDMA also urged people to arrange water for sacrificial animals and pet birds during the extreme heat and to contact the emergency helpline 1129 in case of any heat-related emergencies.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, a spokesman for the Pakistan Meteorological Department said the PMD is adopting modern radar technology to monitor severe weather events, including floods, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and sea storms, enabling forecasters to issue timely alerts and help protect lives and property, said a press release.

The spokesman said the department currently operates advanced radar systems in Islamabad, Karachi, Mardan and Sialkot, while a new radar is being installed in Multan with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

He said that once the upcoming projects are completed, nearly all major regions of Pakistan would fall within radar coverage, significantly enhancing the country’s numerical weather prediction models and disaster preparedness capacity.

Explaining the system, he said the 13-storey radar towers at the PMD headquarters in Islamabad and Karachi have already been built with Japanese financial assistance.

The S-band solid-state radars installed there can monitor weather activity within a radius of around 450 kilometres.

According to him, the radars provide real-time information on rainfall intensity, cloud formation, wind speed, wind direction and storm movement.

He said the radar system updates weather data every 10 minutes, allowing forecasters to closely track developing weather systems and issue alerts every few hours.

“A radar acts as a nowcasting tool,” he said, adding that it is widely used for flood forecasting, rainfall estimation and monitoring runoff in dams and river catchments.

The PMD spokesman said Pakistan’s radar network includes S-band, C-band and X-band systems, each selected according to topography and weather requirements.

For example, the Islamabad and Karachi radars are S-band systems with coverage of up to 450 kilometres, while the X-band radar in Mardan covers around 120 kilometres and is used mainly for valley observations.

The C-band radar in Sialkot, which covers about 350 kilometres, plays a key role in tracking monsoon systems entering from the Indian catchment areas.

He said that the Karachi radar is particularly important for monitoring sea-based weather activity and tropical storm systems over the Arabian Sea.

The spokesman said the department earlier had only five radar systems, many of which had become outdated.

The old Islamabad radar had completed its 30-year operational life before being replaced with the latest Japanese-supported system.

Highlighting the importance of radar technology, he said rain gauges alone cannot provide widespread real-time weather information across vast regions, whereas modern radar systems can monitor weather activity over hundreds of kilometres instantly.

He said radar data is also shared with the country’s airports and aviation authorities, where PMD staff monitor weather conditions round the clock and brief pilots in real time about any hazardous activity along flight paths.

The Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore also uses the radar network to monitor catchment areas and issue flood warnings, he added.

The PMD spokesman expressed confidence that with the completion of the Multan project and the planned expansion to other cities, Pakistan’s weather forecasting capabilities would become far more accurate and effective in responding to climate-related threats.

According to the Met Office, the heatwave may intensify between May 26 and May 31, while temperatures during Eid holidays are likely to remain 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal.

In Sindh, temperatures are expected to range between 47°C and 50°C in various districts, while Karachi may record temperatures between 35°C and 38°C.

Some districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are likely to experience temperatures between 42°C and 45°C.

In Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, temperatures are expected to remain between 38°C and 40°C, according to the Meteorological Department.

The Met Office said residents would continue to endure scorching heat and humid conditions with chances of rain likely after 36 hours.

The Met Office said light rain accompanied by strong winds is likely in different districts of Punjab during the next one to two days as a westerly weather system moves across the region.

Deputy Director of the Meteorological Department, Saqib Chaudhry, said the westerly winds will subside within 48 hours, after which the heat intensity is expected to increase further.

In Lahore, the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 42°C, while humidity levels are around 31% and winds are blowing at a speed of three kilometres per hour.

Residents across the province have been experiencing persistent hot and dry conditions, with many seeking shelter from the scorching sun as they await relief in the form of rainfall.

In Lahore, two people died and six were injured in separate incidents involving falling trees, sheds and billboards during strong winds and rain.

Fifty-year-old Ijaz died after a tree fell near the Badami Bagh lorry depot, while another person was injured in the same incident.

In a separate case near Rang Mahal, 21-year-old Bilal was killed when a shed collapsed.

In Faisalabad, one child was killed, and nine people were injured in seven different incidents of walls, roofs and trees collapsing.

The 13-year-old victim was identified as Haider Ali, who died when a wall fell in Sultan Chowk.

In DG Khan, three people were injured in two lightning incidents.

In Muzaffargarh, four people were injured in four separate incidents involving collapsing trees, solar panels and walls.

Accidents were also reported in Jhang and Nankana Sahib, where several people were injured.

Rescue officials said the seriously injured were shifted to nearby hospitals after receiving immediate medical assistance.

The quake struck near the Mosha Fault, one of Iran’s most active seismic zones, according to Iranian media and the country’s seismological centre.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.21 miles), the centre said.

Residents in several areas rushed out of homes and buildings following the tremors, though authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.

Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB said the quake struck the border area between Tehran and Mazandaran.

Iranian media reported that several earthquakes were felt in eastern parts of Tehran province during the night, with experts describing the sequence of tremors as unusual for the region.

Seismologist Yat Mehdi Zare said it remained unclear whether the activity reflected a release of underground energy that could reduce future risks or a warning sign of stronger seismic movement near Tehran.

He warned that Tehran’s dense population, urban sprawl, weak infrastructure and heavy traffic could worsen the impact of even moderate earthquakes and complicate emergency response efforts.

Tehran, home to more than 14 million people, lies close to several major fault systems, including the North Tehran, Mosha and Ray faults.

Iran is among the world’s most earthquake-prone countries and still carries memories of the devastating 2003 Bam earthquake, which killed more than 30,000 people.

The prime minister also instructed authorities to further strengthen the early warning system and ensure continuous monitoring of high-risk areas vulnerable to natural disasters.

Dr Musadik Malik, who called on the prime minister, briefed him on the ministry’s preparedness for the forthcoming monsoon season.

During the meeting, the minister also apprised the prime minister of the progress and performance of the early warning systems installed in mountainous regions to monitor Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) and flash floods.

According to the PDMA, heavy rains and strong winds are likely in several districts, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods and landslides, particularly in upper regions including Chitral, Swat, Dir, Kohistan and Mansehra.

The authority has directed district administrations to continuously monitor sensitive glacial sites and ensure that early warning systems remain active.

Residents and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers, streams and mountainous areas during the forecast period.

The PDMA also instructed people living in low-lying areas to remain alert and immediately move to safer locations in case of rising water levels or unusual sounds of mud and falling rocks.

Rescuers found the bodies around the crater rim, and evacuation was underway, agency head Iwan Ramdani told Reuters.

“Evacuation of the ​bodies is still hampered by eruptions that continue to occur and ​bad weather,” Iwan said, adding rain was falling in ⁠the area.

Some 150 personnel with two thermal drones have been deployed ​since Sunday morning, Iwan said, with the focus of the search around ​100-150 metres of the crater rim.

Mount Dukono in North Maluku province, bordering the Pacific Ocean, began erupting on Friday, spewing ash as high as 10km. It has continued to erupt at a lower scale.

The area ​around the crater was still blanketed in volcanic ash, Iwan said, adding that the ‌search ⁠area is about 1.25 km from the last known location of the victims.

Rescuers had found backpacks suspected to belong to the two Singaporeans, and the authorities on Saturday confirmed that one Indonesian hiker, who ​had gone missing, ​was dead.

Seventeen people, ⁠including seven Singaporeans and 10 Indonesians, survived the incident.

The seven surviving Singaporeans will fly home on Sunday, ​Singapore’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It was ​unclear when ⁠the bodies of the two who died would be returned.

Indonesia’s volcanology agency reported at least four eruptions as of Sunday, with one sending ash ⁠1.3 ​km high.

The agency is maintaining the ​third-highest alert level for Mount Dukono and bans any activities within 4km of ​the crater.

Environmental experts say dozens of turtles have been found dead this year in different coastal areas of Gwadar and Pasni, triggering alarm among marine life and conservation circles.

According to experts, the repeated deaths of turtles along the coastal belt of Gwadar district are becoming a serious environmental issue, with dead turtles being discovered almost every month at various shoreline locations.

Marine experts warn that turtles play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.

The Makran coastal region was once considered a safe habitat and major breeding ground for turtles, but conservationists say the increasing number of deaths in recent years has become a matter of grave concern.

Experts have urged national and international organisations to launch immediate investigations to determine the exact causes behind the deaths.

The city of Nokundi in Balochistan remained the hottest place in the country, where the temperature was recorded at 45 degrees Celsius, while Sukkur, Jacobabad and Dalbandin recorded maximum temperatures of 44 degrees Celsius.

Karachi recorded a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, while Lahore and Quetta recorded maximum temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius. Islamabad recorded a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius, and Peshawar recorded 37 degrees Celsius.

According to the Meteorological Department, the current heat wave may continue for a few more days.

The department said weather conditions were likely to remain hot and dry in most parts of the country on Saturday, while intense heat was expected in South Punjab, Upper Sindh, and eastern and southern parts of Balochistan.

With rising temperatures in Lahore, the duration of electricity outages has increased further, with up to six hours of load shedding reported in different areas, severely affecting routine life.

In Balochistan, hot and dry weather is expected in most districts, including Quetta.

The maximum temperature recorded was 32°C in Quetta and 44°C in Turbat. Unannounced load shedding continues in the region, adding to public difficulties.

The plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, are also experiencing heatwave conditions, with temperatures expected to rise further.

Power outages persist in both urban and rural areas.

In Karachi, temperatures are expected to remain between 37°C and 39°C today, with some reports suggesting it could reach up to 49°C.

Despite the severe heat, several areas are facing 12 to 14 hours of load shedding. Water supply has also been disrupted due to the electricity shortage.

The city recorded its hottest day of the year, with the Meteorological Department warning that the intensity of the heat could rise further due to the cessation of sea breezes and hot winds blowing from Balochistan.

According to rescue and intelligence sources, nine bodies were recovered from various parts of the city, including Clifton, Liaquatabad, Super Highway and Baldia. The victims are suspected to have died from heatstroke.

Separately, a worshipper died while offering prayers at the Osmania Mosque in North Karachi, with the cause of death also believed to be heatstroke.

The extreme heat and humidity disrupted normal life, with lighter-than-usual traffic on roads as residents tried to avoid exposure to the scorching sun. Many were seen covering their heads to protect themselves from the heat.

Medical experts advised citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement, particularly during the afternoon, and to increase water intake. They warned that the “feels-like” temperature could reach as high as 50 degrees Celsius.

Rescue officials said the process of identifying several bodies was ongoing and that the deceased had been shifted to cold storage facilities after initial procedures.

Authorities said the heatwave has created a situation of extreme discomfort across the city, raising concerns about further casualties if conditions persist.

Citizens have been advised to take precautionary measures due to the possibility of strong winds, landslides and flooding.

According to the NDMA, rain and hail are expected in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Rain with strong winds and thunderstorms has been forecast in multiple districts of Punjab, including Islamabad, Murree, Lahore, and Sialkot.

Thunderstorms are also expected in several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, most districts, including Chitral, Swat, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan, may experience hail with strong winds and rain.

The NDMA has also warned of a risk of flash floods and landslides due to rising temperatures and glacier melt.

Strong winds and hail may damage fragile structures, solar panels and vehicles, while travel in mountainous areas could be affected.

Citizens have been instructed to avoid unnecessary travel and follow weather advisories.

if relevant information is added, no additional verified external facts have been introduced; this is a straight rephrasing of the provided advisory.

According to the PDMA, a new spell of westerly winds is expected to enter the region from May 3, bringing rain and windstorms.

Heavy rainfall is forecast in Chitral, Dir, Swat and Kohistan, raising the risk of flash floods due to sudden temperature rise, precipitation, and potential glacial lake bursts.

The authority has directed district administrations to take emergency measures, ensure preparedness, and enhance monitoring in vulnerable areas.

Relevant institutions have been instructed to keep early warning systems operational and ensure the availability of machinery and rescue personnel.

The PDMA also warned of possible surges in rivers and streams, with a risk of vehicles being swept away by fast-flowing water.

Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from high-risk areas.

According to the Meteorological Department, temperatures in some southern areas may reach 44 to 45°C by the end of the week.

Karachi is likely to see increased heat intensity in the next 24 hours, with maximum temperatures between 36 and 38°C.

Humidity levels around 66% are expected to make conditions feel more severe.

Sindh districts, including Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Dadu and Jamshoro, may experience temperatures exceeding 44°C.

A heatwave-like situation is also expected in central and southern Punjab, while northern and upper parts of the country may receive temporary relief through dusty winds and occasional rain.

Meteorologists say the rise in temperatures in early May is linked to climatic changes, with no major chances of rain in the near future.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has placed the administration on high alert and directed the immediate establishment of heatwave relief camps in affected areas.

He also ordered special arrangements for patients in hospitals.

He advised people in Jamshoro, Dadu, Ghotki and Sanghar to take precautionary measures, including avoiding unnecessary exposure to heat.

He urged citizens to cover their heads, drink more water, stay in shaded areas and avoid working under direct sunlight.

Workers were told to continue their duties but prioritise their health.

Medical experts have advised avoiding direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 4pm, while urging extra care for the elderly, children and outdoor workers to prevent heatstroke.

Karachi is currently experiencing western winds at a speed of 11 kmph, providing slight relief during mornings and evenings, but daytime heat is expected to remain intense.

The plan, presented at a global climate conference, does not unveil any new pledges but brings existing climate and energy policies and targets under one umbrella with an explicit goal.

Analysts say no other country has published such a clear and comprehensive plan.

Here are details of the 14-page roadmap that Europe’s second biggest economy presented Tuesday at the first-ever talks on how to transition away from fossil fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia:

Fossil fuel consumption

Fossil fuels accounted for less than 60 per cent of France’s final energy consumption in 2023, compared to 65 per cent in 2011.

Final consumption refers to energy consumed by end-users such as households, industry and agriculture, excluding energy used in power generation and distribution.

The French roadmap sets a goal of reducing the share of fossil fuels in final energy consumption to 40 per cent by 2030 and 30 per cent in 2035.

The aim is to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

Phaseout dates

The country plans to close its last two coal-fired power plants by 2027.

It seeks to transition away from oil by 2045 through a “large-scale electrification” of transport.

France set a 2050 target date to ditch fossil gas by developing alternative heating methods, including heat pumps, or improving energy efficiency in buildings.

Transport

France wants two out of three new cars to be electric by 2030.

The plan also calls for deploying charging stations and rolling out electric buses and large trucks.

French manufacturers are expected to produce 400,000 electric vehicles by 2027 and one million by 2030.

The aim is to ensure that “reduced dependence on oil does not translate into new dependence on imported vehicles”, the document says.

Buildings

France is banning the installation of gas boilers in new buildings by the end of this year.

It aims to install one million heat pumps a year by 2030.

The government wants to reduce oil-fired boilers in residential buildings by 60 percent and in non-residential buildings by 85 per cent by 2030.

The goal is to phase out fossil oil for heating by 2035.

Electricity

Two-thirds of France’s electricity came from nuclear plants in 2025 while solar, wind and hydropower accounted for around a quarter last year, according to data from electricity system operator RTE.

France plans to build next-generation EPR2 nuclear reactors and extend the lifespan of its existing fleet of reactors.

It also wants to add 1.3 gigawatts of onshore wind power each year and increase installed solar capacity threefold by 2035.

Reactions

NGOs welcomed France’s announcement but also pushed the country to go further.

“After two years of backsliding in its public policies on the ecological transition, and with emissions falling at a rate three times slower than its own targets since 2024, France has the merit of setting dates to phase out fossil fuels,” Anne Bringault, programmes director at the Climate Action Network, told AFP.

Lorelei Limousin, climate and fossil energy campaigner at Greenpeace France, said: “This is a first step, but it remains largely insufficient given the climate emergency.”

Deputy Director Anjum Nazir Zaigham said the city weather will remain hot as usual today and tomorrow, with a noticeable increase in temperatures expected between Friday and Monday.

He said temperatures could reach between 39°C and 40°C on Sunday and Monday before returning to normal levels from Tuesday.

Zaigham clarified that the current heat in Karachi is not linked to El Niño.

However, he noted that a possible El Niño developing in May could impact the monsoon system across the country.

He also confirmed that there is no chance of rainfall in Karachi in the coming days.