Extreme, Deadly Heat In Much Of South Asia Ranging From 111-115F; "It's No Longer Exceptional"

An intense and prolonged heatwave has been causing misery for millions across Pakistan and India. In southern Pakistan throughout April and May, temperatures have risen far above seasonal norms. In Sindh, daytime temperatures have frequently crossed 44C to 46C, forcing residents indoors during peak afternoon hours and severely affecting outdoor labourers, transport workers and farming communities.

India has also been experiencing intense heatwave conditions in recent weeks, particularly across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and parts of northern and central India, where temperatures in several cities have crossed 45C. Authorities in multiple states have issued heatwave alerts as extreme temperatures increase health risks, strain electricity supplies and disrupt daily life for millions. Climate experts say the recurring heatwaves across south Asia reflect a broader pattern of rising temperatures and increasingly severe weather linked to the climate crisis.

In Pakistan, the city of Karachi – usually moderated by sea breezes from the Arabian Sea – has struggled to escape the extreme conditions. During the first half of May, temperatures in the city crossed 40C on multiple occasions. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Karachi recently recorded a maximum temperature of 44.1C, the city’s highest reading since 31 May 2018, when temperatures touched 46°C. Meteorologists have warned that hotter days may still be to come.

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The community still carries painful memories of Karachi’s catastrophic 2015 heatwave, when thousands of people died across the city, including several fishers from Ibrahim Hyderi. More recently, heat-related deaths reported during the summer of 2024 again highlighted Karachi’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.The strain is also becoming visible in local healthcare facilities. Dr Suresh Kumar, who heads the children’s ward at Ibrahim Hyderi government hospital, said the number of children visiting the outpatient department has risen sharply since the last week of April. “On normal days, we would see around 50 to 60 children,” he said. “Now the number has crossed 200 daily.”

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https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/17/its-no-longer-exceptional-karachi-struggles-under-brutal-new-reality-of-extreme-heat