Pakistan is on the verge of breaking its own world heat record, with temperatures forecast to reach a scorching 50°C (122°F) this week. The heatwave has already caused temperatures in central and southern Pakistan to soar to 48°C over the weekend, with no relief in sight until at least Wednesday.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the heatwave is expected to persist from April 26 to 30, raising concerns across the country. The PMD has advised the public to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the intense heat, including staying hydrated and avoiding unnecessary outdoor activity during peak hours.
In particular, Nawabshah, a city in Sindh province, is predicted to surpass the highest-ever recorded temperature for April, which is 50°C, a record set in 2018. If confirmed, this would push Pakistan into the spotlight for global temperature extremes once again, as the country nears a dangerous heat threshold.
The heat is not confined to Pakistan alone. Several other countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia are also experiencing extreme temperatures. Over 21 countries, including Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and India, are forecast to reach temperatures exceeding 110°F (43°C) this week. The forecast uses the highly reliable ECMWF model, which suggests temperatures could climb to 49°C in the coming days. However, as observed over the past weekend, the model may have underestimated the intensity of the heat by 2-3 degrees, raising concerns that the 50°C mark may indeed be breached.
The heatwave is expected to spread eastward later in the week, as the intense air mass moves toward China, contributing to a new wave of extreme temperatures across Central Asia. Countries like Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are projected to experience temperatures well over 38°C.
This extreme weather is part of a broader trend of rising global temperatures. April 2025 is shaping up to be one of the hottest months on record globally, with 63% of the planet experiencing above-average temperatures. In total, 116 countries have reported warmer-than-average conditions, while 39 countries have seen cooler-than-usual temperatures.
The rising temperatures are consistent with the global trend of rapid climate change. The first quarter of 2025 has already been recorded as the second-warmest on record, trailing only behind 2024, despite the transition from a warming El Niño phase to the typically cooler La Niña phase.
Experts warn that such extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense as climate change accelerates, posing significant risks to public health, agriculture, and the environment. The global community continues to grapple with the far-reaching consequences of this rapidly warming climate.
Sources By Agencies
