Southern Pakistan Swelters Under Early Heatwave as Temperatures Soar Across Sindh
Several southern districts of Pakistan came under the grip of intense heatwave conditions on Sunday, with temperatures rising sharply in cities including Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Larkana, and Dadu.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning for a severe heatwave expected to affect most parts of the country starting Monday. In Sindh, temperatures are forecast to soar between 46°C and 48°C, posing serious health risks to vulnerable populations.
A high-pressure system is developing over the upper atmosphere, expected to persist until April 18. This system will drive extreme heat across southern Pakistan, including Sindh, southern Punjab, and parts of Balochistan.
According to the PMD, daytime temperatures in the southern belt are likely to remain 6 to 8 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms, while central and northern regions including Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan may see temperatures 4 to 6 degrees above average during the same period. Nighttime temperatures are also expected to remain unusually high.
The Met Office has cautioned that the extreme heat could trigger dust storms and windstorms in several regions. Authorities are urging the public particularly children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions to limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours, avoid direct sunlight, and stay hydrated.
Climate experts have linked the early onset of extreme summer conditions in South Asia to the growing impacts of climate change. They warn that more than a billion people in the region face potential health and environmental threats due to rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves.