Pakistan to Experience World Record High Temperature Soon

In a chilling forecast — or rather, a scorching one meteorologists warn that Pakistan may soon experience the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth. With climate change accelerating at alarming rates, South Asia, particularly Pakistan’s southern regions, is being pushed into dangerously hot conditions, possibly surpassing previous heat records.

According to recent reports from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and international climate monitoring agencies, daytime temperatures may soar beyond 54°C (129.2°F) in some parts of the country, breaking historical records set in Turbat, Pakistan (2017) and Death Valley, USA (2020).

• Pakistan is expected to face record-breaking temperatures in the coming weeks.

• Global climate change is pushing South Asia into extreme heat territory.

• Sindh and southern Punjab are likely to be the worst-affected regions.

• Health officials advise extreme caution, especially for the elderly and children.

• The government is preparing heatwave response plans to mitigate risks.

The southern regions of Pakistan are under the highest threat from this heatwave. Among the most vulnerable areas:

• Turbat (Balochistan) – previously recorded 53.7°C in 2017.

• Jacobabad (Sindh) – one of the hottest inhabited places on Earth.

• Dadu & Larkana (Sindh) – frequently exceed 50°C in summer.

• Multan, Bahawalpur (Punjab) – likely to face extreme dry spells and heat.

The surge in temperature is being linked to global warming, deforestation, urban heat islands, and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

• High carbon emissions trap heat in the atmosphere.

• Low rainfall and droughts increase ground temperature.

• Concrete jungles replace natural vegetation, absorbing more heat.

• Melting glaciers in the north have disrupted climate patterns across Pakistan.

Experts from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasize that developing nations like Pakistan will face the harshest consequences, even though they contribute relatively little to global emissions.

Extreme heat doesn’t just cause discomfort — it can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, respiratory failure, and even death, especially for:

• Children under 5 years old

• Elderly individuals (60+)

• Pregnant women

• Laborers working in outdoor environments

• People with chronic illnesses (heart, asthma, etc.)

To mitigate the impact of the forecasted heatwave, the Government of Pakistan and provincial disaster authorities have started rolling out preventive measures.

• Establishing “Cooling Shelters” in urban centers.

• Distributing ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) in hospitals and clinics.

• Launching public awareness campaigns via TV, radio, and social media.

• Coordinating with NGOs and local governments for water and shade facilities.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is also in contact with the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure rapid response capabilities.

“Pakistan is ground zero for climate extremes. If urgent adaptation strategies aren’t adopted, record-breaking temperatures could become the norm, not the exception.”

“We’re seeing the effects of climate change unfold in real time. What used to be a once-in-a-decade event may now occur annually.”

While short-term plans are essential, experts stress the need for long-term climate resilience strategies, including:

• Investing in green infrastructure

• Enforcing urban planning regulations to reduce heat retention

• Promoting afforestation campaigns

• Phasing out fossil fuels

• Educating the public on climate literacy

If you live in a high-risk area, follow these expert-advised precautions:

• Stay hydrated – drink water every 30–60 minutes.

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.

• Use hats, umbrellas, or wet towels when going out.

• Keep windows shaded; use fans or coolers.

• Avoid tea, coffee, and alcohol (they dehydrate you).

• Don’t leave pets or children in parked vehicles.

• Limit physical activity between 11 AM – 5 PM.

The extreme temperatures are not just a health hazard — they also threaten Pakistan’s agriculture, energy consumption, and economic stability.

• Crops like wheat, rice, and cotton are highly vulnerable to heat stress.

• Irrigation demand increases drastically, leading to water shortages.

• Livestock may suffer from heat exhaustion or even death.

• Higher electricity demand leads to frequent load shedding.

• Labor productivity drops in the rural and construction sectors.

• Health emergencies increase healthcare costs.

Pakistan is standing at a climate crossroads, and the forecasted record-breaking heatwave is a dire reminder of how urgently we need to act. From government action plans to individual-level preparedness, everyone has a role to play in minimizing the impact of this environmental threat.

As temperatures rise, so must awareness, accountability, and action. The time for passive concern is over — now is the moment for bold, decisive efforts to protect lives, livelihoods, and the planet.