An intense and prolonged heatwave is currently causing widespread misery for millions of people across India and Pakistan, with temperatures soaring far above seasonal norms.
In southern Pakistan, particularly within Sindh, daytime temperatures have frequently reached between 44°C and 46°C. This extreme heat has forced residents to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours and has severely impacted farming communities, transport workers, and outdoor labourers.
India is facing similar conditions, with temperatures crossing 45°C in several cities. The heat is particularly intense across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and parts of central and northern India.
Authorities in multiple Indian states have issued heatwave alerts as the extreme weather disrupts daily life, strains electricity supplies, and increases health risks for millions.
Karachi’s Struggle Against the Heat
The city of Karachi, which is typically moderated by breezes from the Arabian Sea, has been unable to escape the surge. During the first half of May, temperatures in the city exceeded 40°C on multiple occasions.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Karachi recently recorded a maximum temperature of 44.1°C. This marks the city’s highest reading since May 31, 2018, when temperatures reached 46°C.
Meteorologists have warned that hotter days may still be to come, potentially extending the period of extreme stress on the city’s population.
Impact on Coastal Communities and Health
The crisis has been most severe in Karachi’s coastal settlements, where water shortages and prolonged electricity outages have worsened the heat’s effects.
In Ibrahim Hyderi, one of the city’s largest fishing communities, residents report that survival is becoming increasingly difficult. Abdul Sattar, a fisherman with over 30 years of experience, described a colleague collapsing from heat exhaustion and requiring intravenous fluids to regain consciousness.
The community remains haunted by the 2015 heatwave, which resulted in thousands of deaths across Karachi, including several fishers from Ibrahim Hyderi. More recent heat-related deaths in the summer of 2024 further underscore the city’s vulnerability.
Local healthcare facilities are seeing a surge in patients. Dr. Suresh Kumar, head of the children’s ward at Ibrahim Hyderi government hospital, noted that daily visits to the outpatient department rose from 50–60 children to over 200 since the last week of April.
Dr. Kumar stated that most of these children are being treated for dehydration, stomach infections, and diarrhoea, all of which are commonly linked to unsafe water and extreme heat.
Climate Drivers and Long-Term Trends
Climate experts suggest these recurring heatwaves are not isolated incidents but part of a long-term trend driven by rapid urbanisation and climate change.
The World Weather Attribution group found that “human-caused climate change approximately tripled the probability of an event like this happening, making it no longer exceptional in today’s climate.” Their analysis indicates the same heat event would have been about 1°C cooler in a pre-industrial climate.
Yasir Darya, founder of the Climate Action Center, noted that Karachi’s humidity often makes temperatures below 40°C feel significantly hotter. He also warned that unusually warm nights are becoming more frequent, affecting overall living conditions and sleep.
Darya added that the intensity of heat has sharply increased since 2024, while the city lacks sufficient public heat-relief infrastructure and cooling centres. He further noted that shrinking tree cover is worsening the urban heat effect.
Looking Forward: The Need for Intervention
Data from the PMD shows that average temperatures across the region have risen by approximately 1.4°C, with Sindh experiencing an increase of around 1.7°C in recent decades.
Experts observe that summers are becoming longer, harsher, and more unpredictable, while winters are becoming shorter.
Climate specialists are urging immediate interventions to mitigate these risks. Possible next steps could include the establishment of public cooling centres, expanded access to drinking water, large-scale urban tree plantation drives, and improved emergency medical preparedness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the highest temperature recently recorded in Karachi?
Karachi recently recorded a maximum temperature of 44.1°C, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
How has the heatwave affected children in Ibrahim Hyderi?
The children’s ward at Ibrahim Hyderi government hospital saw daily outpatient visits increase from 50–60 to over 200, with most children treated for dehydration, stomach infections, and diarrhoea.
What role does climate change play in these heatwaves?
The World Weather Attribution group found that human-caused climate change approximately tripled the probability of such an event, and the heat event would have been about 1°C cooler in a pre-industrial climate.
How can cities better prepare their most vulnerable populations for increasingly frequent extreme heat events?