Pakistan’s Climate Crisis: Second-Hottest April in 65 Years Sparks Emergency Warning

Pakistan experienced its second-hottest April in 65 years in 2025, with average temperatures soaring 3.37°C above long-term historical norms, according to data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The alarming heat surge has raised significant concerns among climate experts, scientists, and policy-makers.

This extreme weather event is not just a seasonal anomaly — it’s being regarded as a clear sign of a worsening climate crisis that demands immediate and effective intervention.

Record-Breaking Temperatures

The data paints a dire picture. According to PMD:

• The average maximum temperature in April 2025 was 4.66°C higher than the normal.
• The average nighttime temperature was 2.57°C above historical levels.
• On April 17, the city of Shaheed Benazirabad (formerly Nawabshah) recorded a scorching 49°C, making it the hottest day of the month.

The intensity of the heat has not only broken records but has disrupted daily life and endangered public health, particularly in already vulnerable rural areas where infrastructure and healthcare access are limited.

Rainfall Deficit and Drought Conditions

Adding to the crisis, April also saw a 59% decline in rainfall across the country compared to historical averages.

The combination of extreme heat and lack of rainfall has created drought-like conditions, particularly in Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab, where agriculture and water availability are already under pressure.

Such conditions threaten to:

• Exacerbate water scarcity
• Disrupt agricultural yields
• Increase food insecurity
• Trigger public health emergencies

Expert Warnings on Climate Emergency

Climate scientists and environmentalists are sounding the alarm over what they describe as a rapidly unfolding climate emergency.

“This isn’t just heat, it’s a signal of a deepening climate crisis,”
— Environmental Scientist, Islamabad

The increase in both daytime and nighttime temperatures indicates a broader regional climate shift that may not be reversible without serious global and local intervention.

Experts believe that this warming trend is a result of:

• Global warming
• Greenhouse gas accumulation
• Deforestation
• Urban heat islands
• Lack of proactive environmental policy

Pakistan’s Vulnerability to Climate Change

Despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, as highlighted by several international studies, including reports from the Global Climate Risk Index and UNEP.

Why Pakistan Is at Risk:

• Geographical diversity (mountains, deserts, and rivers)
• Large rural population dependent on agriculture
• Low investment in climate adaptation
• Rapid urbanization without environmental planning

Previously, Pakistan has witnessed climate disasters such as:

• The 2022 super floods displacing millions
• Unpredictable monsoon cycles
• Glacier melt in the north

These events serve as evidence of an escalating climate catastrophe.

Call for Urgent Climate Action

Environmental activists and policy analysts are urging the Pakistan government and international stakeholders to:

• Fast-track adaptation strategies
• Enhance water resource management
• Raise public awareness
• Invest in renewable energy
• Collaborate on climate technology

Local initiatives like urban tree planting, rainwater harvesting, and early warning systems are seen as essential. However, implementation remains slow due to political, economic, and logistical challenges.

“If effective and immediate measures aren’t taken, the coming months could be even worse,”
— Meteorologist, PMD

What Can Citizens Do?

Individuals can also play a role in reducing the climate impact by:

• Conserving electricity and water
• Avoiding unnecessary vehicle use
• Planting trees and supporting green spaces
• Reducing plastic waste
• Supporting sustainable local businesses

Educational institutions are encouraged to include climate awareness in their curricula to shape a more environmentally conscious generation.

External Resources

• Pakistan Meteorological Department – Official Site
• UNEP Climate Reports
• Global Climate Risk Index – Germanwatch

Internal Links

• Pakistan’s Flood Crisis of 2022: What We Learned
• 10 Ways to Conserve Water in Daily Life
• Renewable Energy Projects in Pakistan 2025