Could This Heatwave Signal a New Climate Crisis? Experts Weigh In on Pakistan’s Temperatures

Image Credit: The Express Tribune

Pakistan is grappling with an intense heatwave, with temperatures in the southern province of Sindh soaring above 52 degrees Celsius (125.6 degrees Fahrenheit), marking the highest reading of the summer and approaching record highs for the country. The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported this alarming temperature spike on Monday.

Latest Updates: This extreme heatwave, part of a broader pattern affecting Asia over the past month, is exacerbated by human-driven climate change, according to a team of international scientists. In Mohenjo Daro, a town in Sindh known for its archaeological significance dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization (built in 2500 BC), temperatures reached a staggering 52.2 degrees Celsius (126 degrees Fahrenheit) within the last 24 hours, as stated by senior meteorological official Shahid Abbas to Reuters.

This recent high is the most significant of the summer and dangerously close to Mohenjo Daro’s and Pakistan’s record temperatures of 53.5 degrees Celsius (128.3 degrees Fahrenheit) and 54 degrees Celsius (129.2 degrees Fahrenheit), respectively.

Mohenjo Daro, typically experiencing extreme summers and mild winters with minimal rainfall, now finds its bustling markets—including bakeries, tea shops, mechanics, electronic repair shops, and fruit and vegetable stalls—virtually deserted. The sweltering heat has driven customers away, impacting local businesses severely.

Wajid Ali, a 32-year-old tea stall owner, expressed his distress: “The customers are not coming to the restaurant because of extreme heat. I sit idle at the restaurant with these tables and chairs and without any customers.” To cope with the heat, Ali takes multiple baths a day, although the lack of power exacerbates the discomfort.

Similarly, Abdul Khaliq, a 30-year-old who runs an electronic repair shop, works with his shop’s shutter half closed to shield himself from the sun, noting that the oppressive heat has negatively affected his business as well.

Local doctor Mushtaq Ahmed mentioned that the residents have adapted to living in such harsh conditions, preferring to stay indoors or near water sources to keep cool.

Rubina Khursheed Alam, the prime minister’s coordinator on climate, highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change at a recent news conference. “Pakistan is the fifth most vulnerable country to the impact of climate change. We have witnessed above-normal rains, and floods,” she said, adding that the government is running awareness campaigns to address the severe heatwaves.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Pakistan was 54 degrees Celsius (129.2 degrees Fahrenheit) in Turbat, Balochistan in 2017. This was the second highest in Asia and the fourth highest globally, according to Sardar Sarfaraz, Chief Meteorologist at the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

As the current heatwave in Mohenjo Daro is expected to subside, another wave of extreme heat is anticipated to affect other areas in Sindh, including Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. The persistent high temperatures underscore the urgent need for climate action and adaptation strategies.

Today’s Top Stories: As Pakistan confronts these record-breaking temperatures, it reflects a broader pattern of climate-induced extremes. This situation serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need to address climate change globally. The country’s ongoing heatwave is not just a local issue but a part of a worldwide challenge that demands immediate and sustained action to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate future risks.

This story was originally featured on Reuters