Deadly Heatwave Grips Pakistan: Escalating Climate Crisis Threatens Millions

The Pakistan heatwave gripping the nation between May 20–24, 2025, has sparked major climate and public health concerns. With temperatures surging up to 7°C above normal, experts are sounding the alarm over the deadly consequences of global warming and unplanned urbanisation. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned citizens to brace for an intense weather pattern driven by a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere.

Unprecedented Temperatures Forecast

According to the PMD, southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan will face daytime temperatures 4 to 6°C above normal. Meanwhile, central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir may experience increases of 5 to 7°C. These elevated temperatures are well above seasonal averages, increasing the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and even mortality.

Internal Link: Learn how to stay safe during heatwaves

Pakistan’s Climate Crisis Is Worsening

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It’s a brutal reality,” – Muhammad Fahim, Deputy Director, PMD

Over the past four years, Pakistan has seen an alarming rise in heatwaves. These used to occur primarily in May and June, restricted to southern KP districts like Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat. However, 2023 and 2024 broke global heat records, and now, heatwaves are occurring as early as March. This shift signals rapid climate change due to global warming.

In fact, 2015–2024 has been confirmed as the warmest decade on record, a clear sign that our climate system is spiraling out of balance.

Urban Heat Traps and Infrastructure Negligence

Deputy Director Fahim highlighted unplanned urbanisation as a major contributing factor to prolonged heat. Urban buildings, mostly concrete, trap and re-radiate heat well into the night, creating urban heat islands. Without green zones or climate-resilient infrastructure, cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are becoming death traps during extreme heat events.

Glacial Melts and GLOF Threats in Northern Areas

The PMD has issued warnings for possible Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The heatwave is expected to accelerate glacier melt, posing devastating risks to mountain communities.

This is especially alarming for areas like Chitral, Skardu, and Hunza, which already suffer from fragile infrastructure and limited emergency response mechanisms.

External Link : Learn more about GLOFs from the UNDP

Heatwave Impact on Health and Agriculture

The PMD and health authorities have issued critical advisories urging the public to:

• Avoid direct sunlight
• Stay hydrated
• Minimise outdoor activity during peak hours

Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are particularly at risk.

In Sindh, a 2024 heatwave claimed nearly 700 lives, primarily in Karachi, as per the Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences. Farmers are advised to adjust their crop cycles and care for livestock to mitigate losses.

External Link : World Health Organization (WHO) on heatwave deaths

Global Warming Statistics: IPCC and WHO Findings

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), warns of increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves in South Asia. If the Earth warms by 1.5°C:

• Extreme heat events will occur 4.1 times per decade.
• At 2°C warming, this frequency jumps to 5.6 times per decade.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared extreme heat the leading cause of climate-related deaths in Europe. In 2024 alone, over 175,000 fatalities were attributed to heat, with infants under 1 year among the most vulnerable.

According to UNICEF, 377 children in Europe and Central Asia died in 2021 due to rising temperatures, mostly from pre-term birth and low birth weight.

Protective Measures and Recommendations

Public Safety Tips During the Pakistan Heatwave:

1. Avoid outdoor activity between 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
2. Wear light-colored, loose clothing.
3. Use umbrellas or hats when outside.
4. Consume water-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelon.
5. Check on elderly neighbors and children.

For Farmers:

• Shift irrigation to early morning or late evening.
• Keep animals shaded and well-hydrated.
• Use mulching to retain soil moisture.

Internal Link: View our full guide on agricultural adaptation to climate change

Conclusion: Time for Urgent Climate Action

The Pakistan heatwave of May 2025 is not just a meteorological event — it is a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis. From health risks to glacial threats, and from agricultural losses to urban heat stress, Pakistan is facing an uphill battle.

Immediate national climate policies, awareness campaigns, and international cooperation are crucial. Otherwise, this deadly spiral of heat and destruction will only get worse, threatening millions of lives and future generations.

Additional Resources

• Pakistan Meteorological Department – Heatwave Alerts
• IPCC AR6 Full Report on South Asia
• UNICEF: Children and Climate Change