Pakistan Faces Historic Heatwave, Nears April Record Temperatures

Pakistan is facing a severe heatwave, with temperatures in central and southern regions nearing 50°C (122°F), potentially breaking the global April temperature record set by Nawabshah in 2018. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning from April 26 to 30, urging the public to take precautions as the country braces for further temperature increases, especially on Wednesday and Thursday. This extreme heat is driven by a large high-pressure system affecting much of the Middle East and South Asia, resulting in temperatures far above seasonal norms and testing the limits of human survivability. Forecasts using the reliable ECMWF model suggest highs could reach or exceed previous records, though the model has recently underestimated actual temperatures. The heatwave is part of a broader trend, with 21 countries expected to see temperatures above 43°C (110°F) this week, and global data indicating April 2025 is exceptionally warm, consistent with ongoing climate change. The intense heat is expected to shift eastward later in the week, impacting regions in China and Central Asia.