South Asia Heatwave Kills 10 in Pakistan as Temperatures Climb Toward 50C
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 8
South Asia Heatwave Kills 10 in Pakistan as Temperatures Climb Toward 50C
4 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 8
At least 10 people died in Pakistan on Tuesday as a South Asia heatwave drove Karachi to 44C, its highest temperature since 2018, and pushed parts of India and Pakistan above 45C.
High-pressure systems trapping hot air, weak pre-monsoon rains and lingering El Nino-like conditions are driving the unusually early heat, with scientists saying climate change is intensifying its duration, spread and severity.
India has warned of severe heatwave conditions across western and coastal regions this month, with some areas already above 46C and forecasts for temperatures 3C to 5C above normal.
Hundreds of millions face disrupted work and health risks, especially low-income outdoor laborers and people in poorly ventilated housing; one estimate says 380 million Indians work in heat-exposed jobs.
Experts say current heat action plans in India and Pakistan still miss many vulnerable people, and argue better mortality data, stronger labor protections and broader adaptation are needed as extreme heat worsens.
With millions of workers unprotected, are South Asia's heat action plans a paper-thin defense against a scorching reality?
Can economic policies lifting people from poverty avoid fueling the climate crisis that threatens their very survival?
Deadly 2026 South Asia Heatwave: Causes, Impacts, and Strategies for Survival
Overview
In early May 2026, South Asia is facing an intense heatwave that has quickly turned into a humanitarian crisis. The extreme temperatures have already caused multiple deaths, including school teachers and other individuals in West Bengal, and are putting significant strain on communities. Authorities have issued urgent warnings and are urging people to stay alert and take precautions, as the heat is expected to remain above normal in the coming days. This ongoing crisis highlights the immediate dangers of severe heat, the need for public safety measures, and the critical importance of protecting vulnerable populations from further harm.