KEY POINT SUMMARY – Heat record broken
• Heat record broken or challenged in Pakistan with temps near 120°F
• Nawabshah may match 2018’s record-setting 122°F April heat
• ECMWF forecasts extreme temperatures through Wednesday and Thursday
• 21 countries hit 110°F or more amid sprawling heat dome
• Record warmth tied to long-term climate trends and recent El Niño

Heat record broken — or about to be. Pakistan faces scorching conditions this week as temperatures surge toward the global April record of 122°F, set in 2018 in Nawabshah.

Pakistan On Brink Of Record-Breaking Heat

Over the weekend, temperatures soared to 118°F across southern and central Pakistan. Now, forecasts suggest that this week’s highs could climb even further, possibly matching the heat record broken in 2018.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has already issued heat wave warnings from April 26 to 30. As a result, officials are urging residents to stay indoors, hydrate, and limit exposure to the sun.

Weather Model Predicts 120°F Temperatures

The European ECMWF model, one of the most accurate globally, predicts highs around 120°F on Wednesday and Thursday in Pakistan.

The model slightly underestimated last weekend’s highs by 2–3 degrees, so actual temps could soar even higher, placing this event in direct competition with the global April heat record.

Heat Dome Traps Warmth Across Asia

This extreme heat wave is fueled by a massive high-pressure system known as a heat dome. It stretches from the Middle East deep into South Asia, locking in heat like a lid on a boiling pot.

Even so, meteorologists warn that such events are becoming more frequent. These rising extremes are directly linked to global climate change — another reason why the term heat record broken may become increasingly familiar.

Dozens Of Nations Scorched By 110+ Degree Heat

Pakistan isn’t alone. This week, 21 countries are expected to exceed 110°F, including Iran, India, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

In Niger, a 113°F reading marked a national record. Iraq and the UAE also reported record April highs at 115°F. Across the region, April temperatures are 3–7 degrees above normal.

Climate Crisis Fuels Widespread Heat Records

In total, 63% of the Earth experienced above-average temperatures this April. The period from January to March 2025 was the second-hottest ever recorded, despite the shift to La Niña.

With the Northern Hemisphere heading into summer, climate watchers say this is just the beginning of a dangerous season.