The Sindh city of Dadu recorded a scorching temperature of 51.5 degrees Celsius on Thursday, breaking its highest temperature record of the past decade as a severe heatwave continued to affect southern Pakistan.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the previous highest temperature in Dadu was recorded on May 18, 2016, when the mercury reached 51.4 degrees Celsius. Officials said the latest reading stood 4.5 degrees Celsius above the average temperature for May, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing weather conditions.
Meanwhile, several other cities across Sindh also experienced extreme heat. Authorities recorded temperatures of 50.5 degrees Celsius in both Larkana and Jacobabad, making them among the hottest places in the country.
The prolonged heatwave has disrupted daily life across many areas, while health officials warned that the soaring temperatures could increase the risk of dehydration, heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. As a result, authorities advised residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, particularly during peak afternoon hours.
In addition, officials urged people to drink plenty of water, remain in shaded areas and take precautionary measures to protect children, the elderly and outdoor workers from the extreme weather.
Pakistan has faced repeated spells of severe weather in recent weeks, prompting the government and disaster management authorities to issue multiple heatwave alerts. Meteorologists linked the unusually high temperatures to changing climate patterns and persistent dry weather conditions affecting large parts of the region.
The ongoing heatwave has also raised concerns about pressure on electricity supplies and water resources as demand for cooling systems continues to rise across the province. Weather experts warned that hot and dry conditions may persist in several southern districts over the coming days.
