The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned about a heatwave for this week, predicting temperatures to rise by at least 10 degrees Celsius.

Most of the country, including northern Balochistan, southern parts of Punjab, some parts of Sindh, and Islamabad will be affected.

Temperatures are expected to stay between 38 to 40 degrees Celsius, but mercury may rise to 45 degrees in certain areas. The night may offer some respite from the heat.

According to a PMD notification, “day temperatures in northern Balochistan, upper Sindh, south Punjab, Kashmir and adjoining areas will remain nine to 10 degrees Celsius above normal.”

While the department predicted that temperatures will rise by at least seven to eight degrees in Islamabad, upper and central Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, lower Sindh, and southern parts of Balochistan.

The PMD also warned citizens to stay indoors during the heatwave, while also telling farmers to be mindful of the effect on the water supply. There is also speculation that wheat will be harvested early owing to the heatwave.

Dust raising winds are also predicted in the northern parts of Balochistan, southern areas of Punjab, and upper parts of Sindh.