The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced on Thursday that a new maximum temperature record has been set in Dadu, Sindh, with temperatures reaching a sizzling 51.5 degrees Celsius. This reading surpassed the normal temperature for the area by 4.5°C.
Larkana and Jacobabad also reported extreme heat, following closely behind with readings of 50.5°C. These spikes come as the PMD previously forecast hot to incredibly hot weather across the country during Eidul Azha, with temperatures expected to remain 5°C to 7°C above normal levels.
Regional Heat Forecasts
Maximum temperatures are likely to remain 4-6°C above normal across a wide range of districts. Temperatures may rise to between 47°C and 50°C in areas including Sukkur, Shikarpurt, Jacobabad, Larkana, Dadu, Hyderabad, and several others stretching through Sindh and Balochistan.
For Friday, the PMD continues to forecast mainly hot and dry weather for most of the country. Very hot conditions are expected to persist in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and central and southern Balochistan.
While much of the country remains dry, isolated areas in Kashmir, northeastern Punjab, and the Potohar region may experience rain, windstorms, or thunderstorms during the evening or night.
Global Warming and Long-term Risks
These local temperature spikes align with broader warnings from the United Nations, which stated that global average temperatures are likely to continue at or near record levels this year and for the next four years. This trend is underscored by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), which highlighted the significant risk of surpassing critical temperature thresholds in the coming years.
Looking further ahead, the PMD issued a warning in May regarding the potential development of El Niño conditions during the 2026 monsoon season in South Asia. This phenomenon involves the warming of surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, which can shift winds, pressure, and rainfall patterns.
“Maximum temperatures are likely to remain 4-6°C above normal and may rise to 47-50°C in [the] districts of Sukkur, Shikarpurt, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tharparkar, Badin, Sujawal, Thatta, Hyderabad, Matiyari, Tando Muhammad Khan, Umerkot, Ghotki, Khairpur, Nausheroferoze, Mirpur Khas, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Sibbi, Turbat and Panjgur,” the department said in a press release.
Regarding the 2026 southwest monsoon, the PMD suggests that below-normal rainfall is most likely for much of South Asia, particularly in central regions. However, some areas in the northwestern, northeastern, and southern regions may experience normal to above-normal rainfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the highest temperature recorded in Sindh?
Dadu recorded a new maximum temperature record of 51.5 degrees Celsius.
What is El Niño?
El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon that warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, leading to changes in rainfall, wind, and pressure patterns.
What is the weather forecast for Friday?
The weather is expected to be mainly hot and dry across most of the country, with very hot conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and parts of Balochistan. Isolated rain or thunderstorms may occur in Kashmir, northeastern Punjab, and the Potohar region.
How should communities prepare for these increasingly extreme temperature shifts?
