Data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has revealed that the last month was characterized by extreme weather conditions, ranking as the seventh driest and the second hottest April in the country over the past 65 years.
According to the Met Office, the average temperature across Pakistan during April was recorded at 27.91 degrees Celsius, which is 3.37°C higher than the long-term average of 24.54°C.
Daytime temperatures were particularly alarming, with the average maximum temperature reaching 36.40°C, exceeding the usual average of 31.74°C by 4.66°C. This marked the second-highest daytime temperature average for the month of April in the last 65 years.
Meanwhile, night-time temperatures also experienced a noticeable rise, averaging 19.36°C, which is 2.57°C above the normal average of 16.80°C.
In addition to the heat, April’s rainfall was 59% below the average, categorizing it among the driest Aprils recorded since 1960.
This significant deviation underscores the growing impact of climate change on the country’s weather patterns. These extreme conditions could have serious consequences for agriculture, water resources, and public health, especially as the summer season intensifies.
It is worth noting that a recent spike in gastrointestinal illnesses has been reported across the country, coinciding with the onset of the summer season.
