Deadly heat

Pakistan is once again in the grip of an unforgiving heatwave that is testing the limits of public health preparedness. From suffocating humidity to inland heat, the current spell of extreme temperatures is part of a worsening climate pattern that is steadily becoming the new normal.

Dadu has emerged as the epicentre of extreme heat, recording a staggering 51.5°C, breaking its decade-old record. Larkana and Jacobabad, both historically known as heat hotspots, followed closely at 50.5°C. These are temperatures that blur the line between seasonal heat and climatic emergency. What is particularly concerning is the consistency of these extremes across districts. PMD has already indicated that large parts of Sindh and southern Punjab are experiencing temperatures 4°C to 6°C above normal, with some regions forecast to remain near or above 47°C to 50°C. The situation is further complicated by meteorological forecasts suggesting the possible influence of broader climate phenomena, such as El Niño, which may suppress rainfall and intensify heat conditions across South Asia. Reduced monsoon activity would not only prolong heat stress but also deepen water scarcity in already arid and semi-arid regions.

Against this backdrop, mitigation can no longer remain a secondary policy concern. Immediate responses must focus on heatwave preparedness at the municipal level, including the establishment of cooling centres and the expansion of public water points. Work-hour adjustments for outdoor labour, particularly during peak afternoon periods, are essential to reduce exposure risks. At the national level, early warning systems need to be strengthened and better integrated with local governance structures so that alerts translate into actionable responses at the community level - whether Pakistan treats these heatwaves as isolated episodes, or it confronts them as part of a long-term climate emergency.