The thermometer in Dadu hit a number that should alarm everyone in Sindh — and beyond.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department confirmed a new maximum temperature record for the region: 51.5 degrees Celsius in Dadu, Sindh. The Nation carried the PMD announcement, which makes Dadu one of the hottest places on Earth this week.
The extreme heat comes during the post-Eid period — when many families are still traveling and daily wage workers across rural Sindh are returning to outdoor jobs under a sun that is now officially recording dangerous temperatures.
What the 51.5°C Record Means
A temperature of 51.5°C is not just a weather statistic. At this level:
- Outdoor work becomes life-threatening within minutes without shade and constant hydration
- Tarmac roads can soften or melt, creating hazards for vehicles and motorcycles
- Power grids face extreme stress, increasing the risk of extended load shedding
- Livestock and agricultural crops suffer heat damage that directly impacts food supply chains
- Children and the elderly are at highest risk of heatstroke and severe dehydration
For context, Pakistan’s all-time temperature record is 53.5°C, set in Turbat, Balochistan in May 2017. Dadu’s 51.5°C reading brings it dangerously close to that national record.
Who Is Most at Risk
The heatwave directly threatens:
- Brick kiln workers and agricultural labourers across rural Sindh
- Street vendors and daily wage workers in Dadu, Larkana, and Sukkur
- Pregnant women and infants in areas with limited healthcare access
- Families without electricity who cannot run fans or coolers during load shedding
Health experts recommend staying indoors between 11 AM and 4 PM, drinking water frequently even without feeling thirsty, and seeking immediate medical attention for heat stroke symptoms including confusion, rapid heartbeat, and hot dry skin.
What Happens Next
The PMD has issued heatwave warnings across Sindh and southern Punjab for the coming week. Temperatures in Dadu, Jacobabad, Larkana, and Sukkur are expected to remain above 48°C through early June.
24PakTimes urges all readers in Sindh to take heat precautions seriously. Consult a doctor immediately if you or a family member shows signs of heat stroke — it can be fatal within hours without treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature was recorded in Dadu on May 31, 2026?
The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded 51.5 degrees Celsius in Dadu, Sindh — setting a new maximum temperature record for the region and making it one of the hottest places on Earth this week.
Is 51.5°C the highest temperature ever recorded in Pakistan?
No. Pakistan’s all-time record is 53.5°C, set in Turbat, Balochistan in May 2017. However, 51.5°C is dangerously close to that national record and represents an extreme health risk for millions of people in Sindh.
How long will the Sindh heatwave last?
The PMD has issued warnings for Sindh and southern Punjab through early June. Dadu, Jacobabad, Larkana, and Sukkur are expected to remain above 48°C for the coming week.
What should people in Sindh do during this heatwave?
Stay indoors between 11 AM and 4 PM. Drink water frequently — even without feeling thirsty. Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothing. Check on elderly family members and children regularly. Seek immediate medical attention for confusion, rapid heartbeat, or hot dry skin — these are signs of heat stroke.
