Karachi, May 3, 2025: Pakistan experienced one of its most extreme Aprils on record, with soaring temperatures and significantly reduced rainfall, according to newly released data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
April 2025 ranked as the second hottest and seventh driest April in the country over the past 65 years, the PMD revealed. The average national temperature was recorded at 27.91°C, which is 3.37°C above the long-term monthly average of 24.54°C.
Daytime heat was particularly severe, with the average maximum temperature hitting 36.40°C—a staggering 4.66°C higher than the normal April average of 31.74°C—marking it as the second-highest daytime average for April since 1960.
Night-time temperatures were also elevated, averaging 19.36°C, about 2.57°C above the historical norm of 16.80°C.
Compounding the heat, April’s rainfall levels plummeted to 59% below average, classifying it among the driest Aprils in over six decades. The lack of precipitation has raised alarms about worsening drought conditions and water scarcity in several regions.
Experts warn that these escalating extremes are consistent with climate change-driven shifts in regional weather patterns. The consequences could be far-reaching, affecting agriculture, food security, water availability, and public health.
Notably, a sharp rise in gastrointestinal illnesses has already been reported across various parts of the country, coinciding with the early onset of the summer season—likely exacerbated by the heat and water issues.
As the summer intensifies, authorities are being urged to take urgent measures to mitigate the effects of extreme weather and protect vulnerable communities.
