Heatwave Intensifies Across Pakistan as Temperatures Soar, Super El Niño Threat Looms

Temperatures are rising sharply across Pakistan, with several regions in Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab experiencing extreme heat above 40°C.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, temperatures in Sindh’s Dadu, Sukkur, and Jacobabad have exceeded 45°C, while Larkana recorded 44°C.

In Punjab, Lahore, Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sahiwal reported temperatures around 41°C. Meanwhile, Islamabad and Peshawar recorded 36°C, and Karachi saw a maximum of 35°C.

The PMD has forecast continued dry conditions in Sindh with rising temperatures in the coming days. Authorities have warned of a possible heatwave by the end of April.

Experts are also raising concerns about the impact of a potential Super El Niño event. This phenomenon, caused by unusually warm waters in the Pacific Ocean, disrupts global weather patterns and may lead to erratic monsoon behavior, higher temperatures, and altered storm systems in Pakistan.

Anjum Zaigham, Deputy Director at the PMD, stated that El Niño is expected this summer and could intensify into a Super El Niño between August and September. He warned that such conditions could suppress monsoon rains and potentially make 2027 one of the hottest years on record.

The United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization have also indicated early signs of a strong El Niño developing between May and July, raising global concerns over extreme weather conditions.