RAWALPINDI: Temperatures in Rawalpindi have soared to a blistering 48 degrees Celsius amid a dangerous heatwave, prompting warnings from the Meteorological Department for residents to avoid outdoor activities, especially after noon.
In response, major hospitals including Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital have set up special heatwave response desks equipped with chillers and cold-water coolers to assist patients and visitors.
The intense heat is affecting daily routines, with children struggling to attend school and workers in both government and private sectors finding it difficult to commute. Business activity has also slowed as shoppers avoid markets during peak heat hours.
Holy Family Hospital organised a heatwave awareness walk, distributing pamphlets urging people to stay hydrated, wear head coverings, and minimize sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day.
The Meteorological Department cautioned that the heatwave poses serious risks to those venturing outdoors in the afternoon without proper precautions and advised citizens to remain indoors as temperatures are expected to stay high or rise further in the absence of rain.
