Temperatures soared above 52 degrees Celsius (125.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province, marking the highest temperature of the summer and nearing the nation’s record high during an ongoing heatwave, the meteorological office reported on Monday.
A group of international scientists has stated that extreme temperatures across Asia in the past month were likely intensified by human-induced climate change.
In Mohenjo Daro, a town in Sindh renowned for its archaeological sites from the Indus Valley Civilization built around 2500 BC, temperatures climbed to 52.2 C (126 F) over the last day, according to Shahid Abbas, a senior official of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, speaking to Reuters.
This temperature is the highest recorded this summer and is close to the town’s and country’s record highs of 53.5 C (128.3 F) and 54 C (129.2 F), respectively.
Mohenjo Daro is a small town that typically experiences extremely hot summers, mild winters, and low rainfall. Its small markets, including bakeries, tea shops, mechanics, electronic repair shops, and fruit and vegetable sellers, usually bustle with activity.
However, the current heatwave has resulted in almost no customer traffic.
“The customers are not coming to the restaurant because of the extreme heat. I sit idle at the restaurant with these tables and chairs and without any customers,” said Wajid Ali, 32, a tea stall owner in the town.
“I take baths several times a day, which gives me a little relief. Also, there is no power. The heat has made us very uneasy.”
Local shopkeeper battles extreme heat while keeping business running
Nearby, Abdul Khaliq, 30, who runs an electronic repair shop, worked with the shop’s shutter half down to block the sun and also complained about the heat’s impact on his business.
Local doctor Mushtaq Ahmed noted that residents have adapted to the extreme weather by staying indoors or near water.
“Pakistan is the fifth most vulnerable country to the impact of climate change. We have witnessed above-normal rains and floods,” said Rubina Khursheed Alam, the prime minister’s coordinator on climate, during a news conference on Friday. She added that the government is conducting awareness campaigns due to the heat waves.
Pakistan’s highest recorded temperature was in 2017 when it reached 54 C (129.2 F) in Turbat, located in the southwestern province of Balochistan. This was the second highest in Asia and the fourth highest in the world, according to Sardar Sarfaraz, Chief Meteorologist at the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
The heatwave is expected to ease in Mohenjo Daro and nearby areas, but another heat spell is anticipated in other parts of Sindh, including Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city.
