KARACHI: The city of Karachi is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 36°C, resulting in a “feels like” temperature of 44°C on Thursday. Other parts of Sindh are also enduring intense heat, with Hyderabad recording a maximum of 40°C, feeling like 44°C. Sukkur and Ghotki districts faced temperatures soaring to 44°C, while Jacobabad, Dadu, and Larkana recorded 43°C. Nawabshah experienced 42°C.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted a shift in weather patterns toward drier conditions across much of Sindh in the upcoming days, with temperatures expected to rise further. The Met Office issued a heatwave alert until May 3, warning of daytime temperatures 4 to 6°C above normal in central and upper Sindh.
The forecast of a Super El Niño has raised concerns worldwide, with experts warning that Pakistan could bear the brunt of this climate phenomenon this year. Warmer-than-normal waters in the Pacific Ocean are disrupting global weather systems, leading to unpredictable monsoon patterns, increased temperatures, and unusual storm activity.
Weather specialists caution that Karachi’s “real feel” temperature is likely to climb due to the influence of Super El Niño. Anjum Zaigham, Deputy Director of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, explained, “We anticipate El Niño developing this summer, potentially intensifying into a ‘Super El Niño’ between August and September.”
Zaigham added that El Niño generally suppresses the monsoon season in South Asia. “If a Super El Niño materializes, 2027 could become the warmest year on record,” he warned.
The UN has indicated that the El Niño phenomenon is expected to re-emerge by mid-year, between May and July. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also signaled early signs of a strong El Niño event, which could have far-reaching impacts on global climate patterns.
