This week, parts of Pakistan are bracing for some seriously high temperatures, possibly hitting record levels for April, as reported by The Washington Post.
Over the weekend, southern and central regions of Pakistan saw temperatures soar to 118°F (47.7°C), and forecasts suggest it could get even hotter through Wednesday, inching closer to the all-time April record of 122°F (50°C).
That record was set back in 2018 in Nawabshah, located in Sindh province — the same area that’s now under scrutiny once again.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued heatwave warnings for various regions from April 26 to 30, urging people to take necessary precautions against the dangerously high heat.
This extreme heat is part of a larger high-pressure system that stretches from the Middle East into South Asia — something experts have compared to a “lid trapping heat in a pot.” This heatwave isn’t just affecting Pakistan; it’s causing temperatures to spike in over 20 countries across the region.
Weather historian Maximiliano Herrera, who keeps tabs on global temperature extremes, notes that Nawabshah’s 2018 record still holds as Asia’s highest for April. While a 124°F reading was reported in Santa Rosa, Mexico in 2001, most meteorologists consider that figure unreliable.
This week, computer models, including those from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), are predicting highs close to 120°F for parts of central Pakistan, especially on Wednesday and Thursday.
It seems that the model slightly missed the mark on last weekend’s actual temperatures, but experts believe that hitting or even breaking the 2018 record is definitely a possibility.
As the heat ramps up, we can expect its effects to spread to neighboring countries. Forecasts show temperatures soaring above 110°F in places like Iran, India, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Later this week, this intense heat is expected to move eastward, bringing blistering temperatures to Central Asian nations such as Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
This comes on the heels of an already record-breaking April 2025 in several areas. Iraq recently recorded its highest April temperature at a scorching 115°F, while the UAE and Iran have seen similar highs.
Turkmenistan has emerged as one of the hottest spots on the planet this month, with average temperatures soaring over 7 degrees above what’s typical.
In Pakistan, April temperatures have been running more than 4 degrees Fahrenheit above average — and that’s even before this week’s peak heat hits.
Climate experts point out that this extreme heat is part of a larger trend in our warming world. The first three months of 2025 were the second warmest on record globally, following a record-breaking 2024.
Even with the emergence of a La Niña pattern earlier this year — which usually brings cooler weather — global temperatures have stayed high, breaking away from historical patterns.
As summer approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, scientists are warning that heatwaves like these will become more common and severe unless we take action to reduce global emissions.
For the latest updates and insights on new developments, visit the NEWSON
Q1. Which countries are facing extreme heat in April 2025?
Over 20 nations, including India, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, UAE, Turkmenistan, and others across South and Central Asia, are experiencing record or near-record April temperatures.
Q2. What is causing the intense heatwave in South Asia?
A persistent high-pressure system stretching from the Middle East to Central Asia is trapping heat near the surface, creating extreme, prolonged heat conditions.
Q3. Has the 50°C record from 2018 been broken?
As of now, the 2018 record of 50°C set in Sindh still stands, but models show temperatures could challenge or exceed it in the coming days.
Q4. Are heatwaves becoming more frequent due to climate change?
Yes. Climate scientists agree that rising global emissions are driving more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting heatwaves across the globe.
Q5. What precautions should people take during extreme heat?
Avoid direct sunlight, stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and remain indoors during peak afternoon hours when possible. Authorities are urging vulnerable populations to stay in cool environments.
Q6. How accurate are the temperature forecasts for this heatwave?
Leading weather models like ECMWF and GFS have predicted highs nearing 50°C. While forecasts slightly underestimated last weekend’s temperatures, experts believe conditions are aligned for potential record-breaking heat in the region.
