<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/17/its-no-longer-exceptional-karachi-struggles-under-brutal-new-reality-of-extreme-heat>
"An intense and prolonged heatwave has been causing misery for millions across
Pakistan and India.
In southern Pakistan throughout April and May, temperatures have risen far
above seasonal norms. In Sindh, daytime temperatures have frequently crossed
44C to 46C, forcing residents indoors during peak afternoon hours and severely
affecting outdoor labourers, transport workers and farming communities.
India has also been experiencing intense heatwave conditions in recent weeks,
particularly across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and parts of northern and
central India, where temperatures in several cities have crossed 45C.
Authorities in multiple states have issued heatwave alerts as extreme
temperatures increase health risks, strain electricity supplies and disrupt
daily life for millions. Climate experts say the recurring heatwaves across
south Asia reflect a broader pattern of rising temperatures and increasingly
severe weather linked to the climate crisis.
In Pakistan, the city of Karachi – usually moderated by sea breezes from the
Arabian Sea – has struggled to escape the extreme conditions. During the first
half of May, temperatures in the city crossed 40C on multiple occasions.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Karachi recently
recorded a maximum temperature of 44.1C, the city’s highest reading since 31
May 2018, when temperatures touched 46°C. Meteorologists have warned that
hotter days may still be to come.
The impact has been particularly severe in Karachi’s coastal settlements, where
prolonged electricity outages and water shortages have compounded the effects
of extreme heat. In Ibrahim Hyderi, one of the city’s largest fishing
communities, residents say survival is becoming increasingly difficult.
Abdul Sattar, a fisherman with more than three decades of experience, recalled
how one of his colleagues collapsed from heat exhaustion during the recent
heatwave. “We gave him lemon water and rushed him to a doctor,” he said. “He
regained consciousness after receiving intravenous fluids.”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
