Pakistan heatwave could reach 50°C this week: report

South Asia is facing a brutal heatwave, and Pakistan could soon see record-breaking temperatures. Experts warn that temperatures might hit 50°C this April, matching the previous record set by Nawabshah in 2018.

The Washington Post reported that parts of central and southern Pakistan already saw temperatures rise to 47°C last weekend. This extreme heat is caused by a strong high-pressure system trapping hot air over a huge region.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heatwave warning from April 26 to 30, advising people to stay safe and take precautions.

Weather expert Maximiliano Herrera confirmed that Nawabshah’s 2018 record was the highest April temperature ever in Asia. Meanwhile, earlier claims of a 51°C record in Mexico are seen as unreliable.

Forecasts suggest that the hottest days in Pakistan will be Wednesday and Thursday. Some models predict temperatures around 48°C, but real temperatures could go even higher.

This heatwave is affecting a wide area — 21 countries, including Pakistan, Iran, India, Saudi Arabia, and others, are expected to experience temperatures over 43°C. Later this week, the heat is likely to move towards China and Central Asia.

So far, Pakistan’s temperatures are already four degrees higher than the usual April average. Iraq and UAE have also set new April temperature records at 46°C, while Niger recorded 45°C.

Globally, this April has been extremely hot, with 63% of the world seeing above-normal temperatures. Even though El Niño has ended and La Niña has started, the expected cooling hasn’t happened yet. This year, January to March was the second-warmest period ever recorded worldwide.

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