Islamabad records 49°C ‘feel like’ temp

By Our Correspondent
June 21, 2025
Pakistani relatives of heatstroke victims, their heads covered with wet towels, wait outside a hospital during a heatwave in Karachi. — AFP/File
Pakistani relatives of heatstroke victims, their heads covered with wet towels, wait outside a hospital during a heatwave in Karachi. — AFP/File

Islamabad : Islamabad sweltered under extreme conditions on Friday, with the heat index or ‘feel like’ temperature soaring to a blistering 49°C, despite the actual mercury peaking at 43°C.

The index, which combines air temperature with humidity, underscores the intensifying heat stress faced by residents.

However, relief is on the horizon.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast light rain across parts of the country, including the capital, which could temporarily ease the oppressive conditions.

For Saturday, the PMD predicts dust storms and thundershowers in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with the latter two also likely to receive isolated heavy downpours.

In the meantime, authorities have advised the public to limit outdoor activity during peak daylight hours, stay hydrated, and avoid direct sun exposure to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.