Although the majority of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s plains continued to experience hot and humid weather on Wednesday, the province’s two hottest cities—Dera Ismail Khan and Bannurecorded temperatures of 44 degrees Celsius.

Weather officials in Peshawar reported a high of 42 degrees Celsius and a low of 28 degrees Celsius for the last day. Complicating matters further, the relative humidity was 50%. Dera Ismail Khan was the hottest spot in the region, but the plains elsewhere were scorching.

Fortunately, the weather bureau has predicted thunderstorms across the majority of the province during the next day or two, which could provide a welcome break from the extreme heat. Attention all relevant authorities: we have issued instructions in preparation of the impending weather changes.

During this monsoon season, heavy rains and flooding are possible, hence the chief minister of KP has ordered all relevant ministries to make preparations for handling any emergencies that may occur.

All district administrations are being urged by Ali Amin Gandapur to adhere to the provincial government’s Monsoon Contingency Plan.

While the promise of rain and thunderstorms gives some welcome reprieve from the oppressive heat, the prospect of flooding is a real worry. In order to guarantee the security of all people in the province, the authorities have put the state on high alert.

A new monsoon rain system is expected to reach Balochistan today (Wednesday), although the scorching wave persists across the province, as reported by the Met Department. Torbat Nokundi has 47 degrees, Gwadar 43, and Sibbi 48 degrees; Quetta is among the places where the heat is still very intense. The highest recorded temperature in Quetta was 38 degrees.

A PDMA official has predicted that the Lasbela district will experience significant rainfall. Rains from the monsoon this year will have a greater impact than those from the previous year, 2022, said the authorities. July 7 is the last day of the second monsoon wave.